Overnight Oats

I've seen references to a mysterious breakfast dish called "Overnight Oats" surfacing all over the internet recently. I love oatmeal...Baked Oatmeal, Creamy Oatmeal, Irish Oatmeal. Why hadn't I ever tried these Overnight Oats? It was high time.

After reading about 500 recipes (ok, maybe that's a slight exaggeration), I realized that you can really make Overnight Oats any way you want. The main idea is this: 1) Combine oats and liquid. 2) Let it sit overnight. 3) Eat it.

One thing you probably should note, though, is the recipe calls for old-fashioned oats. Although I didn't try any other variety, I imagine that quick-cooking oats would get really mushy and steel-cut oats wouldn't soften enough. But old-fashioned oats are juuuuust right.

The fun part of Overnight Oats is the toppings. It's like the breakfast version of the frozen yogurt shops where you can stir in anything your little heart desires to jazz up your treat. I'll share my favorite below, but just consider the possibilities: bananas, peanut butter, cinnamon, honey, nuts, berries, coconut, dried fruit, maple syrup, cocoa powder...The sky is the limit.

Have you made Overnight Oats before? What do you add in to give it your own personal flair?

P.S. Hope you enjoy the action shot of my Overnight Oats. I had to take this photo with my phone because I eat breakfast at work. It would be weird if I busted out my camera at my desk and started taking pictures of my food. People might stare.

Overnight Oats
Serves: 1

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
2/3 cup sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Stir together oats, yogurt, and milk.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready for breakfast, top with brown sugar, strawberries, and sliced almonds.