- vantasticvegan
Cuddle Weather Oatmeal Recipe
I don't know about you all, but I absolutely love Fall and Winter! I love the smell of the air, the change of scenery, cuddling up in a soft warm blanket reading a great book or watching a great show, and let's not forget a warm bowl of yummy oatmeal. This recipe literally takes 15-20 mins max and I know you are going to love it!
Oatmeal is one of the easiest meals to convert into a vegan friendly dish. The flavor is so tasty that you wouldn't even notice! Even if you aren't trying to become a vegan fully, this meal will win you over as a healthier option. This meal is great for the entire week and can also be stored for grab & go "overnight oats." I enjoy oats and they are a staple in our pantry. Not to mention they are a great source of fiber and protein, which means they will keep you feeling full, fueled, and satisfied. So I won't make you all wait any longer, let's get into it!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE COMFORT OATMEAL
The ingredients needed are old fashioned oats or rolled oats, almond milk (sweetened vanilla), cinnamon, organic creamy peanut butter, strawberries (or another berry of your choice), and Vermont Maple Syrup.
There are other oat types out there so I will give you a little information about them just in case you were wondering.
Quick Oats: These oats are more fine and can be cooked very quickly. They can be used but are not recommended because they are more processed and overall they don't save that much cooking time. There is also a difference in the texture.
Steel Cut Oats: Whole oat, unrolled and unprocessed type. The can take the longest to cook and if you are like me, we aren't looking for the longest!
Old Fashioned Oats or Rolled Oats: These are a sweet place in the middle of quick oats and steel oats, and works best for this recipe.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1 cup of almond milk (I prefer sweeten vanilla)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon (or litter more if you prefer)
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
2-3 fresh strawberries
2 teaspoons of creamy organic peanut butter (it drizzles better)
STOVE TOP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
In a small saucepan, bring the almond milk to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat and add your oats.
Stir occasionally and add the cinnamon.
Cook until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquids. (If you feel that you may have added too many oats, just add a little more almond milk.)
Add the maple syrup while the oats are still in the saucepan.
Remove from heat, cover and let it stand for about 2 minutes.
Add oats to a bowl. (I love a glass bowl)
Thinly slice 2-3 strawberries and place them on top of your oatmeal.
Drizzle peanut butter across the oatmeal and strawberries.
Time to ENJOY!
TIPS
Use rolled oats for the best consistency. Please don't say I didn't warn you! Remember I am picky eater so I know.
Pay attention to the oat to liquid ratio. Sometimes you may need to add more milk if it was absorbed to quickly or add a little more oats if you didn't measure your milk accurately.
Don't rush and stir consistently. This meal is quick on its own, please take your time, turn down the heat, and keep an eye on it while you stir! No one wants overcooked or burnt oatmeal.
Store leftovers in a air tight container. You can warm up leftovers in the microwave or eat chilled.
MORE IDEAS FOR TOPPINGS
Fruit: bananas, black berries, raspberries, blue berries, apples, cranberries
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Also nut butter or seed butter.
Sweeteners: cane sugar or agave syrup
Spices: Nutmeg or pumkin spice