On busy mornings, the last thing I want to do is spend time stirring oatmeal over the stove. I’m not really a pancakes before work kind of girl, and toast just doesn’t keep me full until lunch. While many on-the-go “cafes” now offer hot cereals amid their breakfast burritos and chocolate dipped pastries, those tiny cardboard cups might cost just as much as lunch, and taste terribly bland. No thanks!
I propose an alternative to both the overly sweet and the time consuming, not to mention overpriced and the not very tasty: an overnight soak! The following two porridges (oatmeal and chia pudding) take only 5 minutes to assemble, and you’ll wake up to a healthy, delicious breakfast! Now there’s even more time to hit the snooze button. And you might even make the early train on your commute! Who’s with me?
Overnight Oats (serves 2)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk of choice (nondairy works too)
dash of cinnamon (optional)
Place oats, milk, cinnamon if using, and any desired mix-ins in a jar and stir. Put a lid on the jar and place in the fridge. The following morning, give your oats a stir and taste for desired flavor. Add more toppings or milk if you’d like, and off to work you go!
*NOTE: if you don’t like cold porridge, you can take the edge off the oats in the microwave or on the stove.
Overnight Chia Breakfast Pudding (serves 2)
¼ cup chia seeds
1 cup milk of choice (nondairy works too)
dash of maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey
Place chia seeds, milk, and sweetener in a jar. Put a lid on the jar and place in the fridge. The following morning, make sure the chia seeds have gelled and the pudding is thick. Add desired toppings or more milk. Happy breakfasting!
Mix-ins/Toppings for both breakfasts
Spoonfuls of tahini or nut butter
toasted shredded coconut
ground flaxseed
chopped nuts
chopped candied ginger
raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, etc.
chopped dates
cocoa powder
matcha powder
espresso powder
fruit
maple syrup
honey
agave syrup
jam
Article by Rebecca Firkser
Rebecca Firkser is a New Jersey-based food writer and blogger. A recent graduate of Smith College, she studied Theatre Design and Art History. She dreams of someday being as quick-witted as Pete Wells. Check out her food writing and photography on her blog,Spices and Spatulas, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
