Some endings call for new beginnings. Oh God, that sounded SO cliche! Anyways, another end to my Justin’s almond butter jar is already here. However, this is amazing because that means I can make overnight oatmeal again! I used to be so anal about my nut butter jars because I’d worry someone would throw them away even if there was a little left. Hello? How else am I supposed to store my overnight oatmeal without my precious nut butters?

As you probably can tell I’ve really been on a smoothie bowl/nice cream high. However, when I run out of nut butter, you know that I won’t back out of making some delicious oatmeal for the jar. Smoothies in nut butter jars just don’t cut it…and they look kind of weird. But nut butter oatmeal is a staple in the foodie world. I created this delicious tropical flavor to recreate the summer theme. Coconut water is a great liquid to eat with your oats, since it’s not super heavy like cream or milk but still has a nice sweetness to it. You don’t even have to look at the procedure–just soak the oats overnight in the water with everything else and have it the next morning! I’ve added my favorite summer fruits along with a dollop of plain Elli Quark.

And please ignore that little black spot on my jar. Someone microwaved it and almost burned the house down (sorry Mom!).

RECIPE

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Sweetener to taste; I use 1-2 tsp Stevia
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 or 1 full overripe banana
• 3/4 cup liquid; I like to use 1/2 cup coconut water and 1/4 cup water
• Any tropical fruit of choice: I used mangoes, blueberries, apricots and (unseen) donut peaches
• Desired thickener
• Opt: coconut extract, chia seeds, cinnamon, etc.

PROCEDURE

1. Bring a pot filled with liquid on a stovetop. Add in the salt and bring to a boil.
2. Fill the pot with oats and stir all around. Add in sweetener and cinnamon.
3. Let simmer on low-medium heat until the liquid is mostly evaporated.
4. Mash banana and chop your desired fruit.
5. Stir in the thickener (if wet) and mashed banana well.
6. Add in the fruit and mix in evenly.
7. When bubbling and completely cooked, turn off the stovetop and let the oats cool.
8. Scoop the oatmeal in an empty nut butter jar or bowl and store in the fridge overnight.
9. Enjoy chilled the next morning!

What is your favorite summer breakfast? Have you ever accidentally burned something while cooking?