What’s your idea of breakfast? Are you the type that exists on an espresso or do you need to have food to start your day? If you’re like me, functionality only happens after food has been consumed, but it also can’t be too complex as a morning person I am not. I would love to be that person that fits in a five mile run before breakfast and work, but it simply isn’t going to happen. So if you’re the type that needs some fast and delicious food in the morning, I’d recommend you try these cinnamon overnight oats.
This breakfast - and other variations on this theme - have become a staple for me in the morning, replacing the bit of toast held between my teeth as I lock the front door on my way to work. They’re great in the autumn and winter, but there’s no reason why you can’t eat them all year round.
You can of course eat these out of a bowl in the comfort of your own home, but I think part of their charm is that you can pop them in your bag so people at work can give you slightly odd looks for eating out of a jar. Little do they know what they are missing.
If you are a little skeptical about the idea of having something that sounds distinctly like cold porridge, don’t worry, so was I when I first came across it. My scepticism succumbed to curiosity though when I saw a big bag of oats staring down at my one day from the lofty forgotten reaches on top of the kitchen cupboards and realised there was little to lose. You might get a few odd looks if you eat it in the office, but you won’t notice as you’ll be easting a really tasty breakfast. Also, you can always pop them in the microwave and enjoy it warm.
This recipe may be for cinnamon overnight oats, but it is really easy to customise. After a while you will find it can be adapted to pretty much anything you have kicking about in your cupboards. I’ve used both nutmeg and allspice instead of cinnamon, fresh blueberries instead of dried fruit, and the list goes on from there. We also haven’t even touched on nuts or seeds here, but again it is up to you how your cinnamon overnight oats evolve over time. It’s all about what you feel like might work.
Breakfast fast food - cinnamon overnight oats
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes + Overnight
- Total Time: 5 Minutes + Overnight
- Yield: Serves 1
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These cinnamon overnight oats are a staple of my autumn and winter mornings. Ready to go, they are perfect for slower mornings. It’s also entirely customisable to whatever your tastes. Try out other fruits, nuts and spices!
Instructions
- 45g porridge oats
- 250ml milk
- 3/4 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 handful of dried fruit
Notes
Put the porridge oats, cinnamon and fruit into a regular sized jam jar (or any sealable container) and shake a little to ensure it’s all mixed up. Open the jar and pour in the milk and maple syrup, stir thoroughly to mix everything together (a chop stick works a treat), seal and place in the fridge.
Leave in the fridge overnight and in the morning either eat cold or microwave for about a minute. Add any fresh fruit you’re putting on, grab a spoon and eat.
In this recipe I used:
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Aha, is this the mystery photo from a while back? I am totally on board with this as I start work at six or seven in the morning and every extra minute in bed is precious to me! In the summer it works well cold with fruit juice instead of some of the milk… don’t knock it until you try it.
Good spot - it is indeed! I’m totally on board with it now - I agree, it’s all about those extra minutes in bed (although I clearly don’t get up nearly as early as you). Here’s to a winter of great porridge flavours!