Oats in many forms are a favorite of mine especially for breakfast. There are so many ways to make them part of the meal. In cooler weather, the warmth of the hot oatmeal or steel cut-oats is a welcome treat. The same oats can add freshness with a variety of flavors to summer mornings.

I begin by keeping “oats” (not quick oats)  in the pantry for use for a variety of purposes. I can grind them quickly and add them to my muffin recipe, mix them into the topping for a cobbler or use them to make overnight oats. No matter what I am an organized cook. So I begin by assembling the ingredients I will need.

Let’s look at my current favorite variation of Overnight Oats: I have dry oats, walnuts, raisins, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds. Mix these ingredients together directly into a container that can be covered tightly and refrigerated.

Use a large enough container to allow for the mixture to swell a little. For this recipe I have a 3 cup Rubbermaid container. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry mixture. I love combining cinnamon and nutmeg. They remind of fresh baked goodies. Cinnamon is also known to help control blood glucose.

Add enough Unsweetened Soy Milk to the mixture to moisten the ingredients. You can also use Unsweetened Almond Milk if you prefer.

Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt goes in next.  I love the non-fat Siggi’s Plain or Vanilla. You can always use your favorite brand. It is much easier to mix in the yogurt when the ingredients are already moistened.

And there you have it! Oats are ready to be stored in the refrigerator for the coming 4-5 days. Breakfast will be a breeze.

In the morning, I add chopped apple and/or berries for some additional crunch! I have included practically all the food groups (except vegetables) in my oat bowl; whole grains, nuts and seeds, fruit, dairy and protein (from Soy Milk and Greek Yogurt).

It is filling and satisfying as well as delicious. I can change the fresh fruit added every morning so as not to get bored. The recipe can also be altered by changing the type of nuts, seeds and dried fruit or the spice added. Some of my other favorite additions are pecans, dried cherries, apricots, ground ginger, and cardamom. Here’s the basic recipe:

1 cup dry oats

1/2 cup each walnuts and raisins

2 tablespoon each Chia Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg

1 cup Unsweetened Soy Milk

1 cup Vanilla non-fat Greek Yogurt

1/2 apple, diced

1/4 cup blueberries

Make it your own and share your favorite combinations!