Pineapple Coconut Cacao Oats

So, it snowed here in Jersey this week.  Snow days!  I swear teachers want them more than kids.

It did, however, give me a chance to experiment with some oatmeal for breakfast.  Ah, the gift of time.

This oatmeal flavor combination was inspired by one of my favorite cakes that my mom made when I was growing up - Pineapple Coconut Chocolate Chip Cake.  Sounds weird right?  But, it was delicious!

For this oatmeal, to add in some healthy fats, I used Fourth and Heart Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ghee.  For those unfamiliar with ghee, it's a clarified butter that has some really terrific health benefits, such as:

• does not need refrigeration
• can be eaten by those who are intolerant to dairy or lactose
• Vitamin A & E

You can read more about it here!

Now it's totally optional in this recipe, but it does add a sweet, deep flavor that really added to the oatmeal!

I also used old fashioned oats, rather than quick cooking.  Takes a bit longer but I just like the texture better.  I've also tried this as an overnight oats mixture - haven't taste tested yet thought!

Pineapple Coconut Cacao Oats
Serves 1

1/2 cup old fashioned oats
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup reduced fat coconut milk (the kind in the can!)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup crushed pineapple in juice, slightly drained
1 tsp. organic coconut palm sugar (or sweetener of choice)
2 tsp. reduced fat unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tsp. Fourth and Heart Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ghee
1 tsp. cacao nibs

Bring liquids to boil.  Add oats, stirring occasionally, for about 14 minutes (or until thickened to the consistency you like).  Remove from heat, and add the pineapple, 1/2 tsp. of the cacao nibs, sugar, 1 tsp. coconut flakes, and the ghee, stirring until combined. 

Top with the remaining cacao nibs and coconut.

Enjoy!

Banana Cinnamon Chia Overnight Oats

I've always been a big fan of oatmeal, and overnight oats really changed the game for me.  Oats you can meal prep in advance and have on hand to grab and go?  Yes please!

What I love about them, in addition to the convenience, is that oatmeal is pretty much a blank slate.  You can make it whatever you want or with flavors you have on hand.

This is super simple, slightly sweet with a warmth from the cinnamon.  I top mine with either almond butter or creamy peanut butter and it's a super filling meal!

Banana Cinnamon Chia Overnight Oats
Serves 1
 
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
1/4 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp. chia seeds
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Combine ingredients and stir well.  Pop in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next day!