Favorite Recipes: Loaded Overnight Oats

LOADED OVERNIGHT OATS

Leave the tasteless, pasty instant oatmeal at home. This meal can be made the night before, involves no cooking, and is perfect for an early start. You can even speed up the process by pre-mixing the dry ingredients before leaving home. Unlike instant oatmeal, cold cereal or other quick camp breakfast recipes, this meal will actually fill you up and keep you going for hours because it’s packed with plenty of protein, calories, and fiber.  This is gluten-free and vegetarian, and can be made dairy-free too. This recipe serves 2 hungry campers.

Mix together the following ingredients and store in an airtight container in your cooler or fridge overnight.  Note:  Be sure to mix the chia seeds in well so they don't clump at the bottom.

• 2/3 cup whole oats
• 4 tablespoons chia seeds
• One banana, sliced
• 1 cup almond milk (can be real dairy milk)
• 1/2 cup blueberries* (also great with peaches, strawberries, etc.)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (mix in just before eating to keep them crunchy)

*If you substitute strawberries for the blueberries, try adding a handful of dark chocolate chips to the mix for a delightful dose of extra flavor.