OVERNIGHT OATS. PERFECT FOR SUMMER.

Oatmeal is great.  It's healthy, nutritious, economical, easy, and feels warm and comforting.  But in the summer, warm and comforting is not necessarily what you're going for.  Cool and quick is more the summertime speed.  That's why overnight oats have got it going on in the summer.
 

The idea is simple.  Mix up your oats in the evening and place them in the fridge.  In the morning, just take them out, top as desired, and eat.  Cool and creamy, these oats will not only please your taste buds, but will also have you rocking out all day. High in fibre and low in calories, oats provide energy for your workout, your errands, or whatever it is your undoubtedly busy day is filled with.

In the winter I'm all about using steel cut oats, because they go further both in your cupboard and your belly.  But they do take a bit more time, and they do require the use of the stove.  So, for these summertime overnight oats, I switch over to rolled oats. They have a shorter cooking time (in this case "sitting in the fridge time") and they are still super good for your bod.

Now for the details.  These oats are really easy to customize based on your own tastes and preferences, but it's nice to have a few recipes to try out the first few times, as you get the hang of it.  Here are my two favourite recipes for overnight oats. Cinnamon Overnights Oats is a simple and basic recipe and delicious topped with fresh berries.  The second is a must try.  The Strawberry Cocoa Overnight Oats recipe is just a little bit sweet, with a small bit of chocolate added in.  I'm not one for super sweet breakfasts, but this is just the right amount of tastiness without tipping over into indulgence territory.

Cinnamon Overnight Oats
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon flax
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Place all ingredients into a mason jar, and shake vigorously until completely combined.  If you don't have a mason jar, use a container with a tight fitting lid (shaking the mixture is key).  Keep the jar in the fridge overnight.  In the morning, remove from the fridge, top with fresh fruit, and enjoy.

Strawberry Cocoa Overnight Oats
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon flax
1 heaping teaspoon strawberry jam (homemade if possible)
1 teaspoon cocoa nibs

Place all ingredients into a mason jar, and shake vigorously until completely combined.  If you don't have a mason jar, use a container with a tight fitting lid (shaking the mixture is key).  Keep the jar in the fridge overnight.  In the morning, remove from the fridge, top with coconut flakes or strawberries, and enjoy.

Overnight oats may not be the prettiest dishes to look at (or photograph), but they sure taste good.  And since all they ask is that you shake them and put them in the fridge for a few hours, they aren't very demanding either.   Now you have no excuse to skip breakfast tomorrow.