Overnight Oats

Fall is in the air and school is in full swing. With busier days, food prep can become more of a challenge. When you're in a pinch or out of inspiration, one of our favorite autumn recipes is overnight oats. Prepare these oats with your little ones at night and wake up to a complete, healthful breakfast that will keep you powered throughout the day!

Ingredients

3/4 cup regular rolled oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 cup unsweetened almond milk, or substitute a milk of your choice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Fresh fruit and/or nuts for topping.

Instructions

1. Combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
2. Shake the jar vigorously and then refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, the oats and chia seeds will have absorbed the liquid and the mixture will have thickened.
4. Scoop into bowls and top with fruit and nuts or seeds. We love pomegranate seeds and crushed pistachio nut!

Tip: Before leaving the oats overnight, ask a child what they think will happen to the ingredients? This allows them to make a prediction and see what happens next.  

Tip: Introduce new science vocabulary such as “absorb” and “dissolve.” What does it mean when one ingredients dissolves into another?