Old Fashioned Oats 3 Ways

Goodness gracious, getting back into a routine this week has been HARD. We've been totally beat by the time we roll into bed in the evening! Having to wake up early again followed by long days at work and extra curriculars, ending with an evening of making dinner, bathtime, and bedtime has completely worn us out. In a week or two we'll be back in the swing of things, but in the mean time I'm riding the struggle bus in the morning. I've been trying to eat a good, hot breakfast each morning to help me wake up and give me energy to get through the day and oatmeal has been a favorite because it's just so easy. 

You can make the little packets of instant oatmeal of course, but I prefer old fashioned oats and they don't take much longer to cook on the stove. I usually put them on to cook right after getting out of bed and then shower and get ready while they are cooking. 

Here are the basics of making old fashioned oats:
In a saucepan combine 1 cup water, and 1/8 tsp. salt to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 cup oats and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring every so often. Remove from stovetop and let sit 2-3 minutes. Eat plain or add toppings and enjoy!  

The best part of making your own is that you get to decide which toppings to add, and the sky is the limit when it comes to flavor combinations. Here are three of our favorites:

1. Coconut flakes, almond slivers, and dark chocolate chips. Tastes just like an almond joy bar! 

2. Sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon, diced apple, and a vanilla yogurt swirl. Apple pie without the extra calories! 

3. Raspberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries with a peanut butter drizzle (heat peanut butter for approx. 15 seconds to thin it out) for a new twist on an old classic. (PB&J!)

Hope you all aren't having as hard a time as I am getting back into routine!! XO