Today’s posting, Oatmeal to Go, is the last of three collections of healthy breakfast suggestions. I hope you enjoy them and find some new ways to feed your family the most important meal of the day.

This is one of my favorites. It can be prepared the night before, or quickly in the morning just before you rush off to work – and it is absolutely nutritious and delicious. After you try it, you will wonder how you lived so long without knowing about this simple healthy breakfast treat.

You need a few basic ingredients and you are set to create your own personal versions of “Oatmeal to Go.”

What you need:

• Medium-small containers with lids (covered dishes, mason jars, etc.)
• Insulated bag for travel.
• Oats (I prefer Quick Oats for morning prep, but you can us Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, if you plan to do the overnight version)
• Liquid of choice: regular milk, half-and-half, almond milk, soy milk, juice, or water.
• Plain Greek yoghurt (optional)
• Sweeteners – My recommendation is local honey (a couple of teaspoons) or pure maple syrup (1/2 teaspoon is usually adequate). Avoid artificial sweeteners and refined sugar of any kind if you want to keep the dish as healthy as possible.
• Spices and flavoring – Experiment with these to discover your taste delights. I often use cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. You can also use cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ tsp vanilla extract or ¼ teaspoon coconut extract.
• Fruit of choice – I always use bananas (can be mashed or chopped) and sometimes add fresh blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, but any fruit will work (peaches, nectarines, apples, grapes, etc.) You can also use raisins, dried cranberries, and dried cherries.
• Nuts or toasted coconut (for crunchiness) – Whatever you choose, they should be chopped and a large tablespoon is a good portion. My preference is pecans, but almonds, walnuts and pine nuts are filled with nutrients and add different flavors.
• Almond and/or Peanut Butter – the pure kind, nuts and salt only (no additives).

Preparation:

You have three choices.

1. Prepare the night before (best if using Old-Fashioned Rolled oats). Mix the oats, yoghurt, banana, honey or syrup, and liquid together. Stir well. Be sure it is a soupy consistency. Use plenty of liquid because it will soak up during the night. Cover well and store in the refrigerator.

– In the morning, stir well and add additional liquid if needed. Top with any fruit and nuts, coconut, granola, and/or a tablespoon of nut butter (almond butter is particularly tasty).

– Cover and pack in an insulated bag for travel.

– Refrigerate until ready to eat.

– Stir and ENJOY!

2. Prepare in the morning (use Quick Oats for this version). Mix everything together, adding enough liquid to bring it to a slightly thinner consistency than you want it to be when you eat it. The oats will soak up some of the liquid.

– Top with fruit, nuts, granola, etc. and a tablespoon of nut butter.

– Cover and pack in an insulated bag for travel.

– Refrigerate until ready to eat. (Should allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before eating.)

– Stir and ENJOY!

3. Prepare the night before, cook a few strips of bacon in the morning, add your toppings, and serve a healthy, yummy breakfast in just 10 minutes

I could provide recipes, but I think it is more fun for you to create your own versions of this delightfully, nutritious breakfast. Your kids will love it too.  And . . . it is SO easy! Have fun!
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