Overnight Steel Cut Oats

**First of all, I apologize for the terrible lighting for all of these pictures. It was at night, so no natural light for me! **

After scouring the internet for a fool proof recipe for overnight steel cut oats, I decided that I needed to post about my journey. I had to take a combination of different recipes and make my own method that resulted in the right texture of oats that me and my husband agreed on. (Although he honestly didn't mind a super chewy -- almost crunchy-- texture... I couldn't get past it.)

You could eat these cold right out of the fridge or your could heat them up like we do in the morning. Just zap them in the microwave for 1 minute. Really -- that's it! Just one minute and they are piping hot and deliciously creamy.

The best part is that the possibilities are endless! You can add whatever you'd like to switch up the flavors. Add some apple sauce and sliced almonds. Or add coconut flakes and crushed pecans. If you're being "bad" add a couple chocolate chips for a sweet addition. 

I personally use unsweetened almond milk because I watching my calories and carb intake. But you could use half and half or milk as well. This is the reason you also won't find any added sugar (or artificial sweetener) in my recipe. By all means go ahead and add it if you must, but honestly with the PB and fruit you don't need it.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup dry steel cut oats

1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (or 3/8 cup) unsweetened almond milk

1 tbsp peanut butter

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup berries, sliced bananas, apple sauce, whatever you'd like

Half pint mason jars and lids

Preparation:

Place 1/4 cup of dry steel cut oats in one of your mason jars.

Add 1/4 cup almond milk to the oats, mix together and stick in the microwave for 1 minute.

The glass will be hot, so place it on a towel or napkin instead of directly on a cold counter. 

Add the vanilla and the cinnamon, mix together.

Add the tablespoon of peanut butter and an extra 2 table spoons of almond milk to loosen up the oats and mix together.

Wash and slice the berries or fruit you're using and add to the jars.

Mix the fruit into the oats so they are fully immersed.

Put the lids on the jar and leave on the counter until the jars are completely cool. (If you are doing a large batch, they will most likely be cool by the time you finish up adding the other ingredients.)

Stick the jars in the fridge until you are ready to eat (at least overnight). 

When you are ready to eat, take off the lid, stir up a bit and stick in the microwave for 1 minute OR eat cold. I personally like them heated up. They are warm, filling and comforting.

Enjoy!