Thursday, August 26, 2010

Oats in a Jar: The Best Part of Waking Up?

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Last night I made my first batch of the blogger breakfast favorite, overnight oats in a jar (also known as OIAJ). I tried overnight oat bran in a jar a few weeks ago, but it turned out super watery. I figured that was because oat bran soaks up less liquid than old fashioned oats, so I decided it was time to try out regular overnight oatmeal soaked in the dregs of my Costco-sized jar of almond butter.

Last night I dumped the following into the jar, which contained roughly a Tablespoon of almond butter:
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4-ish teaspoon best vanilla ever (really)
  • 1 packet stevia
  • dash of cinnamon
  • splash of vanilla coffee creamer (because we're out of milk)
  • 1 Tablespoon raisins
I stirred it all up, then left it in the fridge to soak overnight. This morning, I eagerly retrieved what I was sure would be a thick bowl of delicious chilled oatmeal. What I found was this:

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I'm thinking that the culprit here is too much liquid. Next time I'll try putting in a one-to-one ratio of oats to liquid and see how it goes. However, not wanting the food to go to waste, I gobbled the watery OIAJ down all the same. In spite of having been drowned in excess fluid, this breakfast was still tasty. And if it's good in all its imperfection, I can't wait to see what it will be like when I actually get it right.

Have you ever made overnight oats or OIAJ or some combination thereof? Do you have any tips for me? I could sure use them!

4 comments:

  1. I haven't tried it yet because I'm not an oatmeal fan. I was going to make overnight oats last night for the first time and then I forgot and fell asleep. I have noticed a few people adding 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds which works as a thickener. You may want to try that. I have been adding chia to lots of things and it has always worked well. Also, Angela at ohsheglows.com has a recipe for overnight oats with pumpkin. They look thick and creamy and delicious. That's the one I'm going to try tonight provided I don't forget again. Anyway, I know you love pumpkin so you may want to check out that recipe and give it a go.

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  2. Good ideas, TC! I can't wait until Costco starts stocking canned pumpkin again for this holiday season! It's so expensive otherwise.

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  3. Lindsay and James CoAugust 28, 2010 at 11:55 AM

    hehe, yes OIAJ can be tricky. I use only a little milk then stick them in the freezer first for 5-10 minutes then in the fridge for overnight. That seems to work. Then if they are still too runny in the morning, I add a scoop of whey or vegan vanilla protein powder. Try that. :)

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  4. Chia seeds work beautifully in OOIAJ!!! They soak up excess liquid and all you need is 2 tablespoons :) A little less milk and more thick yogurt works too!

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