I hate following recipes + {Overnight Oats}
Honestly, I never thought I liked cooking. It was such a chore. It was always so messy. It was so tedious. I wasn't very good at it. I was always missing ingredients. But what I realized is: I just hate following a recipe. I like being creative. I like trying new things. I like problem-solving. I like discovering how flavors blend. I like creating meals based on ingredients I have available (so shopping for good staples is key!). I like feeling accomplished when something turns out perfectly (like my Honeydew Caprese Salad!) All that is to say - I've been having FUN with cooking these past couple of weeks.
I've been seeing the phrase "Overnight Oats" throughout the healthy-living blogosphere over the past few weeks. No cooking, prepare in advance, and wake up to a delicious breakfast? Sounds good to me! The only problem??? I needed to go shopping! I'd never bought "rolled oats" in my life. I "started" with this original idea and then substituted and changed a lot of the ingredients/measurements b/c that's what I DO! :) I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Recipe for PB/Banana/Cocoa Overnight Oats:
Gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- a small banana
- 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter
- 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 packet Truvia
~2 - 3 Servings
Combine them together in a bowl: (I love all those colors! What a pretty palette!)
Mix thoroughly:
Cover (with lid or foil) and put in the fridge overnight. Night-night oats! Do your thang!!
In the morning, I was delighted to find a nice thick consistency. I microwaved the mixture in a ceramic bowl for 30 seconds to take the chill off. Then I topped it with cinnamon and sliced almonds. It was really yummy!
I will definitely be experimenting with different combinations/toppings in future weeks. This beats the heck out of "Quaker Oatmeal"!!!!!!!
Pooch Run Training Update:
Running is going well. I am almost through week 2! Thankfully the nice weather has held up pretty well so far. Last night I was quite adventurous and ventured out with both doggies AND Babycakes. It was a bit chaotic, a lot funny, and mildly awkward. But I did it! Here's a pic of the gang:
PS. Is it a bit ironic that the person who says she hates following recipes (me!) is posting RECIPES on her blog for you to follow? Hopefully you actually enjoy following a good recipe!
When was the last time you "strayed" from a recipe? Did it turn out well?
Have you ever had Overnight Oats? If so, what are some of your favorite combinations?
Comments
Two dogs and a baby is impressive!!
Nicely done!!! I'm horrible with following recipes. My versions are always very adapted!!!
Overnight Oatmeal
Whoa! about 2/3 dailey calories in one meal? That's about 4 servings right?
4 servings, yes!
I made a big batch so that I could feed some to Babycakes, and have it multiple mornings.
Recipes are a guidemap...
One of my favorite culinary quotes, from Michael Voltaggio: "Recipes are a guidemap. Not a contract."
I am the same way - I can not and will not follow a recipe exactly. This is why i like to COOK and not BAKE. Things have to be much more precise with baking. I like to base my ideas off of existing recipes more than anything. And I don't measure things- that's the only problem with posting recipes on my blog- I'm usually just guessing. :)
As for overnight oats, I love them. BUT- I do not like them with yogurt! Using cottage cheese (to me) tastes much better. My recipe for a single serving is 1/4 c oats, 1/4 c oat bran, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1/4 c cottage cheese (I use salt-free 1%), 1 T pumpkin puree, 1 small banana chopped, 1 packet French Vanilla Stevia, cinnamon, splash of almond milk and about 1/2 c water (I just eyeball it until it looks like enough). I haven't added nut butter into the mix but throw in peanut flour sometimes... or when I'm lucky, make it in a nearly empty nut butter jar. I'll be ready for that on Tuesday morning! :)
I didn't care for the yogurt either!
A made a second batch without the yogurt, and instead of peanut butter, I used PB2 which FINALLY arrived in the mail. I liked the second version much better! I will definitely try it out with cottage cheese & pumpkin though. I bought pumpkin puree this week just to try your "recipe" that I saw a pic of last week!
My favorite overnight oats
My favorite overnight oats combo (for one) is:
1/2 cup oats
1 tsp. chia seeds
1/3 cup milk
2 T plain yogurt
a few droplets of vanilla stevia
half a banana
chopped walnuts on top
And I ad-lib recipes all the time. And totally change the ones I do follow. Which is sometimes good but often results in them being too healthy (aka less delicious!)
Thanks Lele!
Thanks for the recipe. I will have to try it... SOON!!
That recipe sounds REALLY
That recipe sounds REALLY really good. I will have to try this. I've never bought rolled oats before. And you are a brave, brave girl, running with 2 dogs and a child. Good for you!
oh, and what is Truvia?
oh, and what is Truvia?
how can i use peanut butter in the same amount as you used the
Submitted by kelly - March 25, 2012 - 3:55pm
I didn't care for the yogurt either!
Kelly, you mentioned that you like the second over night oat without the yogurt and using the PB2 peanut butter. since I do not have that peanut butter, can you tell me how much of the reg peanut butter I can use now. thanks , love your sight. happy day
A made a second batch without the yogurt, and instead of peanut butter, I used PB2 which FINALLY arrived in the mail. I liked the second version much better!
can i still use reg peanut butter
Kelly, you mentioned later on this sight that you made this recipe a second time and liked it better, leaving out the yogurt and peanut butter, now using the PB2. can I still use reg peanut butter and how much do I use. love your site, thanks
PB/Banana/Cocoa Overnight Oats
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