Overnight Oats

 I have a confession to make: until just a few weeks ago, I didn’t know what overnight oats were.

I learned about the popular overnight breakfast bowl when I was meeting up with my regular group of gals in a crowded independent coffee shop in a trendy part of town.

The coffee shop had an abundance of natural light, and was stuffed with people a decade (or two!) younger than us. It was a good vibe, as they say. This coffee shop served a variety of specialty coffees with long names, delectable baked goods, simple tasty breakfast bowls and lunch sandwiches.

While standing in line waiting to order, I noticed “overnight oats” listed on the menu board hanging on the wall behind the server. It sounded good – oats with coconut, berry compote, chia seeds and nuts. So I ordered it.

I thought I was going to get a warm bowl of oatmeal that had been cooking overnight in a slow cooker. Which is why, when it came to the table, I asked the server for milk on the side. She gave me a stare like I was someone who would be better off served at a Tim Horton’s.

When I mentioned my confusion to my friends (while slurping up a spoonful of the cold – but delicious – oats) they looked at me like I was someone who still used a flip phone. This was when I was politely informed that overnight oats were a popular breakfast dish and had been since the iPhone was invented!

Well, I must admit they were yummy. I realized that I had tried overnight oats before, back when it was simply called muesli, which I believe is the same breakfast dish.

I recalled an old recipe I used to make in the past and loved. So I found it, and modernized it with chia seeds, coconut, almonds and cinnamon. I’ve included it here under the name “overnight oats” for all my trendy readers to try.

I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to customize it your way with different nuts, fruit, or different kinds of milk.

Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds, Coconut, Almonds and Raisins

This breakfast bowl is very versatile and I suggest you use it as a format to try different ways of making it to suit your taste. You could try adding lemon zest, pear, fresh berries or berry compote. You could also add vanilla, honey, or walnuts. There is endless possibilities! I’ll let you choose.

Serves 3-4

1 1/2 cups large rolled oats
3/4 cup 1% or 2% milk or milk alternatives
3/4 cup plain 1% or 2% plain yogurt
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped raw almonds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons Thompson raisins
1 small grated peeled and cored apple

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, almonds, chia seeds, coconut, cinnamon and salt. Cover and place in the fridge overnight. 

In the morning add the raisins and grated apple.  
Serve.