Cooking from My Pantry is a new series featuring Kirsten Romero, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian with the wellness program at Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. While we’re all spending a lot more time at home, Kirsten is here to show you how you can make healthy recipes using real ingredients from your own pantry.

We encourage you to join along in creating today’s recipe: Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats Video

Basic Recipe

Overnight Oats

• These can be served chilled, straight from the refrigerator, or you can heat them up. Heat for about 30-60 seconds in the microwave or over medium heat on the stove.
• Overnight oats keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Base: It all starts here!

• ½ cup oats (old-fashioned work best)
• ½-2/3 cup milk of choice: cow’s milk, almond, rice, flax, soy, cashew, etc
• 1 Tbsp seeds (optional):  chia, ground flax, hemp seeds

Add-In Ideas: (use in any combination)

• 1-2 Tbsp chopped nuts
• 1 Tbsp nut or seed butters
• 1/4 to 1/2 c fresh, frozen or dried fruit
• 1-2 tsp sweetener like honey, maple syrup, artificial sweetener
• chocolate chips, shredded coconut, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into a glass jar (16 oz or larger works best)
2. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight, or at least 6 hours.

Notes

• Toppings can be added the night before or immediately before serving.
• Heat, if desired. Thin with more liquid as needed.
• Uncover and enjoy straight from the jar.

Alternative Recipes

These are just a few ideas. Be creative with flavors/add-ins. There is no right or wrong here!

Berry Nut

• ¼ c blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries (or a mix of all 3)
• 2 Tbsp chopped walnut
• 1 tsp honey, as needed to taste
• dash cinnamon

Almond Joy

• 2 Tbsp shredded coconut
• 1-2 Tbsp sliced, chopped or slivered almonds
• 1 Tbsp chocolate chips
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup, as needed to taste

PB & Banana

• 1 Tbsp peanut butter
• ½ sliced banana

Apple Pie

• ¼ c diced apples (or substitute unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 Tbsp chopped pecans
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup, as needed to taste
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Enjoy!