If you’re anything like me and cannot handle Dewick’s sad excuse for “oatmeal,” then these seven oatmeal recipes are just what you need. You can either make these at home, or adjust these to spice up your dining hall oatmeal! Plus, feel free to play around to make them work for the stovetop, the microwave, and any type of oats!
1. Dark Chocolate and Almond Oats
Ingredients:
½ cup oats
1 cup water or ¾ cup milk (any kind you want!)
1 Tbsp chopped dark chocolate
Almonds (handful)
¼ cup shredded coconut
Directions:
Mix oats and liquid in microwaveable bowl/mug and microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Take out and mix in chocolate, almonds, coconut, and any other nuts, fruit, or sweetener!
2. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
½ cup oats
1 cup water or ¾ cup milk (any kind you want!)
1 apple (chopped)
½ tsp cinnamon
Optional: walnuts, raisins, brown sugar
Directions:
Mix oats, liquid, and chopped apple in a microwaveable bowl/mug and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Take out and mix in cinnamon and any other toppings!
3. Strawberry and Banana Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
½ cup oats
¼ cup milk (any kind you want!)
¼ cup yogurt (any flavor, greek or regular)
¼ cup strawberries (frozen or fresh)
½ banana (frozen or fresh)
(Hint: if you are freezing your own fruit, cut it up before freezing!)
½ tsp cinnamon
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp honey (I like to add these if I use plain yogurt)
Directions:
Pour oats, milk, and yogurt into a sealable jar or container. Chop up fruit (if necessary) and add to jar. Add cinnamon, a drop or two of vanilla extract and some honey if you want. Mix all together and leave in fridge over night. Open and eat in the morning!
4. Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Ingredients:
½ cup oats
1 cup water or ¾ cup milk (any kind you want!)
½ cup shredded carrots (I usually shred a handful of carrots)
Optional: 1 chopped apple or 1-2 scoops applesauce
½ tsp of each spice: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Dash of salt (optional)
Raisins, Craisins
Walnuts
Directions:
Pour oats and liquid into microwaveable bowl/mug. Shred carrots (and chop up apple if you want). Mix in carrot, apple, spices, vanilla extract, and salt. Microwave for 2-3 minutes. Take out and stir in dried fruit, walnuts, and any other toppings or sweetener you want!
Dessert oatmeal for the holiday season…
5. Gingerbread Oatmeal
Ingredients:
½ cup oats
1 cup water or ¾ cup milk (any kind you want!)
1 tsp molasses
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger
Optional: raisins
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in microwaveable bowl/mug and microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Take out and enjoy!
In case you didn’t get enough of Thanksgiving…
6. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
Ingredients:
½ cup oats
1 cup water or ¾ cup milk (any kind you want!)
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp ginger
(Tip: if you’re feeling lazy you can buy pumpkin pie spice mixtures with all of these mixed together!)
Raisins/Craisins
Walnuts
Directions:
Mix oats and liquid in microwaveable bowl/mug and microwave for 1 minute. Take out and mix in pumpkin puree and spices. Microwave for another 40 seconds to a minute. Take out and mix in as many walnuts, craisins, raisins, or other dried fruit or nuts!
Photo sources: www.twohealthykitchens.com, www.domesticsuperhero.com, www.eatgoogd4life.com, www.theroastedroot.net, www.breakfastdramaqueen.com, www.superhealthykids.com