My husband likes to say “Where did quinoa come from all of a sudden?” That’s kind of how I feel about overnight oats.  All of a sudden I’m seeing overnight oats – everywhere.

My exposure until now has been the really thick, goopy oatmeal I remember growing up or being served in the hotel lobby when I travel.  Once in awhile I would buy some prepackaged oats, but we all know that’s not the healthiest option.  I really like the idea of soaking oats in a liquid to soften them which keeps them more in their natural state and not overcooked.  Texture is everything, right? They are great when it’s a hot sunny day,  but truth be told, I don’t always eat them right out of the fridge – I warm them for a few seconds in the microwave so they are room temperature.

It’s very simple:  You are mixing together some liquid and oats, even adding some yogurt.  The addition of chia seeds help to thicken the oatmeal.  Some of you may prefer a more “wet” or sweeter oatmeal.  If so, you can experiment with adding more milk or more sweetener for your preference. Just let them “marinate” overnight and then you add your favorite toppings before serving. Here I like to use my favorite peanut butter powder to get the flavor without the fat.  I save that for some drizzle on top with added sliced almonds and bananas.

This quick and healthy breakfast comes together fast the night before.

Recipe – Serves 1

Two tablespoons of PB2 Powder

1/2 cup of almond milk

1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional)

1/2 cup of rolled oats (not the quick oats)

1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey

Toppings:  Sliced banana, sliced almonds, peanut butter

In a medium bowl mix together the peanut butter powder with the almond milk.  Add yogurt if desired.  Add oats, chia seeds, vanilla and sweetener and combine.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Top with your favorite toppings.