When it comes to cheap eats, it doesn’t get more frugal and fabulous than oatmeal. It’s a whole grain, packed with fiber and nutrients, the taste can be changed with endless variations, and it costs pennies per serving.
Are you sold yet? How about this? You can literally make it in your sleep. Did that appeal to your inner multi-tasker? It turns out you can “cook” your oatmeal overnight in the refrigerator with no actual cooking and have a grab-and-go breakfast waiting when you wake.
I hesitate to call this a recipe, it’s more like a technique. If you can remember this ratio; 1:1 you’ve got it made. You’ll need one part old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant!) and an equal part liquid.
Traditionally you’d use milk of any kind; skim, whole, or in between. You can add a splash of cream or half-and-half. You can also use almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, orange or apple juice or any combination thereof. That’s it. Of course you’ll want to add healthy, flavorful goodies to endlessly customize your practically instant breakfast.
Sweeten the oatmeal with whatever appeals to you such as brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, agave, jam, maple syrup and citrus zest.
To add flavor, add a pinch of salt then stir in some dried fruit and/or chopped nuts. You can even add drained canned fruit or nut butter, the list is endless. Don’t be shy, you want this to be flavorful.
I find it easiest to use a large jar with a lid, fill it half way with liquid, add whatever goodies you wish, stir and top it off with oats. Now pop on the lid and give it a shake. Leave in the fridge overnight and wake up to a delicious concoction that puts instant oatmeal to shame.
When you’re ready to rise and dine you can either heat up a bowl in the microwave or spoon some into a container to grab-and-go. It’s equally delicious hot or cold and I recommend topping it with fresh add-ins.
Get creative with fruit like bananas, apples, berries or peaches. Add crunch with nuts and seeds or a sprinkle of granola.
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I hope this technique provides a new strategy that makes it easier to start your day the healthy way.
Frugal Food Finds contributed by Patti Diamond, author of Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom