Overnight oats are cold, creamy, and absolutely friggin delicious, especially in the summer time.  I get more questions on overnight oats than on any other topic/food/recipe on this blog. I attribute this to the exquisite palates of my readers.  Given the confusion, I thought I’d do an “overnight oats for dummies” post.. not implying that any of you are dummies, just that a dummy would be able to follow these extremely thorough instructions.

First up, the oats.

You can use any oats that you like.  My preference is for quick oats because they turn out with a fabulous creamy consistency, but I’ve also enjoyed rolled oats and muesli.  I usually go with 1/2 a cup of oats, but you can use more or less depending on your liking.

KEY TO SUCCESS #1:  These oats are uncooked, straight from the container.

Oaty goodness:

Options for Oats:  Quick Oats, Rolled Oats, Muesli, Steel Cut Oats, etc.

Second, the liquid.

I favor Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk.

I tend to use equal parts of liquid to oats (typically 1/2 a cup of each).

KEY TO SUCCESS #2:  The more liquid you use, the runnier your oats will be, conversely the less liquid you use the thicker your oats will be.  Thank you freshman year physics class.

Options for liquid:  regular cow milk (MOO!), yogurt, etc.

Third, sweetener if you so choose.

I like to add a tsp of brown sugar to my oats.

Options for sweetener:  a packet of Truvia, Jam or Preserves, Honey, etc.

KEY TO SUCCESS #3:  Keep your eye on the prize and don’t get overly excited and accidently spill valuable OO goodness as I did.  Don’t worry.  I licked it all up 😉

Fourth, overnight mixins.

My standard oats only have 1 overnight mixin:  CINNAMON

Just because I’m boring, doesn’t mean you have to be.  The options are ENDLESS.  Here are some ideas:  Nut butter, chia seeds, granola, chocolate chips, protein powder, PB2, yogurt, nuts, raisins, fresh or frozen fruits – think berries, melons, cherries, bananas, etc.

Fifth, quality time with the fridge.

I’ve said it many a time on the blog:  overnight oats are like a gift to yourself.  You prep this little bundle of joy the night before, and it’s just ready and waiting for you in the morning…  Like a sweet little puppy… That you eat.

Moving on…

KEY TO SUCCESS #4:  Be a good little girl and don’t eat your oats for a midnight snack.

Sixth, fresh mixins.

The next morning, the oats will be nice and thick and creamy:

I had to crop this photo because just looking at these oats made me drool all over my desk.

You can mix in ANYTHING ya want to these oats!  See the list of ideas under the overnight mixins for inspiration. Other ideas include cereal (add this in the AM so it doesn’t get soggy) and cookies (if you have a ramped sweet tooth like me).

My preference is to add some fresh fruit:

Sometimes I go with fresh strawberries:

Let’s be honest, I ALWAYS go with fresh strawberries…

Sometimes I go for the fresh blueberries:

And if I’m feeling spunky, I go for both:

Apparently I feel spunky 97% of the time 🙂

Whatever mixins you choose, give it a good mix:

Then, put you face super close to the bowl and admire the overnight oats in all their glory:

The overnight oats are eaten COLD… so all that’s left to do is eat your little heart out!

I’d like to end this tutorial with a photo montage of some of my favorite OO’s.

Please close your eyes and imagine sappy graduation music playing (for your completion of the tutorial, of course), then proceed.

Overnight Oats—YOU… COMPLETE ME.  <3 <3 <3

I hope you feel OO inspired

BTW – I updated my About Me page.  Constructive feedback is welcome and appreciated!  FerventFoodie@gmail.com.