Hubby and I aren’t big breakfast eaters — at least not during typical breakfast hours. I’m more of a brunch person actually. Or brinner. Both of those suit me just fine. However, I will chow down on a bowl of these Cherry Almond Vanilla Steel Cut Overnight Oats early in the morning since they don’t require much effort or thinking. While I admit to being more of a morning glory rather than a night owl, I just don’t start being too glorious too early, ya’ know.
We probably all recognize the health benefits of a daily dose of oats. They are high in soluble fiber which helps to lower cholesterol. One-third cup of dry oats offers up 1.4 grams of soluble fiber toward a daily goal of five to 10 grams.T he benefits of steel cut oats exceed the benefits of rolled oats because of the processing. Steel cut oats are dense and chewy as a result of being passed through sharp, steel blades that cut them into thin slices. This helps retain more fiber and protein. Steel cut oats have the lowest glycemic index because they’re processed the least.
It’s the texture of steel cut oats Hubby and I like the most, but it is also the reason many folks steer away from them. The coarse texture makes for a much longer cooking time than for rolled oats. (And don’t even get me started on the instant variety.) But…if you use this easy overnight method which I have used for years, your long-cooking issues will be over. Promise.
I have prepared steel cut oats in the slow cooker, but this overnight method works best for us. It’s so easy; you just won’t believe it. Watch for the pumpkin version I’m doing on THV11 This Morning on Tuesday. It’s quite tasty as well.
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- pinch salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or allspice
- 2 Tablespoons honey or maple syrup (not pancake syrup)*
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds as garnish
- Bring 2 cups water and 1 cup vanilla flavored almond milk to a boil; stir in oats.
- Remove from heat and stir in extract, dried cherries, salt, cinnamon or allspice, and honey or maple syrup; stir and cover.
- Allow the oats to sit in the pan until it comes to room temperature or is cool enough to refrigerate.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, rewarm over low heat or heat in the serving bowls in the microwave. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds.
- If you like a chewier oatmeal, decrease the water by 1/2 cup.
- You can leave the oats out overnight if you prefer. I might do that if I make this up late at night. Generally, however, I refrigerate it after it cools.
- *I generally add the honey or maple syrup to each individual serving bowl since I don't want mine sweetened but hubby does.
