Hot Breakfast -- 3 Ways

When we were coming up with recipes, Brittany kept creating delicious hot breakfasts! They are all worth trying, especially with the cold season around the corner!  So a huge thank you goes to Brittany for all these recipes!

With these nutritious oats, you can finally say "yes" to chocolate for breakfast!  While I would not prepare this daily (simply because of the cost), it is a nice treat when we need a break from our standard breakfast routine.

Almond Joy Oatmeal

Serves 4

Serving Suggestions: Top with additional almond milk, and serve with a banana

What you'll need:

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cups water
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 TBLS packed brown sugar
• 2 TBLS unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats OR quick oats, just adjust cooking time according to directions
• 2 TBLS milled flaxseed
• 2 TBLS unsweetened, shredded coconut (to mix in with the oatmeal) plus more for garnish

What you'll do:

• Heat almond milk and water in a large sauce pan.  Add salt, sugar, cocoa, and extracts - bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
• Add oats, flaxseed, and 2 TBLS coconut.  Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  (Note:  watch closely when you first add these ingredients, you may have to periodically remove from heat and blow on it to prevent from bubbling over)
• Turn off the burner and allow to sit for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken.
• Divide among 4 bowls and top each serving with an extra pinch of shredded coconut.

Brown rice for breakfast?  You bet!  This porridge is hearty, lightly sweetened, and adds a nice spin on the typical hot cereal breakfast.  This is a great way to use up any leftover rice.

Brown Rice Porridge

Serves 6

Serving Suggestions: Eat with a banana, and top cereal with additional milk, if desired.

What you'll need:

• 4 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 cups plain almond milk*
• 2 1/2 TBLS maple syrup OR packed brown sugar OR 2 TBLS honey or agave nectar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almonds, slivered, sliced, or chopped
• 1 cup chopped apple OR 1/2 cup craisins OR raisins

What you'll do:

• Combine rice with cinnamon in a large saucepan.  Add milk, stir, and set heat on medium-high.  
• As the rice and milk heat up, add remaining ingredients (except fruit), stir, and bring mixture to a boil.
• Add fruit, stir, and reduce heat to medium-low.  Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.  The porridge will thicken as it cools.

*Note:  I've tried dairy milk in this recipe, and have found that it just doesn't come out the same!  Milk scalds easily, and the cinnamon & sugar have to be adjusted for it to taste decent (cinnamon decreased, sugar increased).

This is a quick and easy breakfast recipe that requires no chopping!  It is the one I turn to on those hurried mornings when we are out of Cheerios and I don't have much time to fix breakfast.  

Super Easy Craisin Oatmeal

serves 4

Serving Suggestions: Top this off with your favorite milk or non-dairy milk, have a handful of almonds on the side for a little extra protein

What you'll need:

• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 TBLS packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Craisins (or other dried, sweetened cranberries)
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 TBLS flaxseed meal
• 2 TBLS unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

What you'll do:

• In a 2 quart saucepan, bring water to a boil.  Add salt, brown sugar, and craisins while you wait.
• Reduce heat to medium.  Stir in oats, flaxseed meal, and coconut (if using).  Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes - it will thicken as it cools.
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  For another amazing breakfast, head on over to Plant-Powered Kitchen and try her Banana Maple Muffins.