Apple Cinnamon Refrigerator Oatmeal

Today is Jake's first day of Kindergarten.  Even though he has been in school for the last two years for preschool and Pre-K, there is something different about Kindergarten.  I feel like it marks the beginning of losing my baby.  I know I'm probably being dramatic but I'm sure all of you moms out there can understand.  Once they are in school the importance and influence of their friends and teachers increases as mine decreases.  It is an important part of growing up, but it still breaks my heart.  Sorry, I'll stop my pity party now.

With school starting we are back to needing to streamline our mornings.  As Jake is an incredibly slow eater, one of the most important ways I can get us going in the mornings if to have his breakfast ready the night before.  This way he can start eating ASAP while I am taking care of Luke.   This overnight refrigerator oatmeal fits the bill. Not only is it super easy to make and ready to go with no effort in the morning, it is cold.  Jake loves oatmeal but he doesn't really like hot food (I never heated his milk or baby food and it backfired in that he prefers cold food).  Ready to go in the morning, something Jake loves, and I don't have to cool it down for him; win, win, win!

Start out by mixing together some oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon.  I use regular old-fashioned oats, not quick oats.  Add in equal parts fat-free Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, and skim milk.  Squeeze in a little bit of honey and stir it all together.  If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, just decrease the amount of milk.

Jake loves raisins so I add some of those in too.  At this point it will be very liquidy.  Don't worry, the chia seeds thicken it up.  Cover it and stick it in the fridge overnight.  In the morning your oatmeal will be ready to go.  If you want it a little bit thinner, just add a splash of milk before eating.

This makes enough for Jake for three breakfasts, but for an older kid or an adult it is probably just enough for two days.  I'm pretty sure there's no good way to photograph cold oatmeal, but don't let the way it looks deter you from making it.  This overnight oatmeal is nutritious and delicious.

Apple Cinnamon Refrigerator Oatmeal

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 tsp. chia seeds
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 tsp - 1 tbls. honey (depending on how sweet you want it)
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1. Combine oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a container.
2. Add yogurt, applesauce, milk, and honey.  Stir together until well combined.
3. Mix in raisins, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
4. Stir before serving, adding a splash of milk if desired. 

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