Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oatmeal
>> Thursday, April 8, 2010

I'm so bad at getting myself around in the morning. I get up too late. I shower and primp myself for too long. I spend a great deal of time changing outfits. And then editing photos and posting. By the time I get around to preparing my lunch and making breakfast, I have -- seriously -- ten minutes. No joke. Ten minutes. Oatmeal has been my morning savior for this reason. However, I quickly grew tired of the cinnamon-sugar (or honey) variety. So, I got a little crazy.
My first experiment of sorts was with some Nutella. May not be the healthiest choice, but with all the other efforts I'm making toward better eating, I allowed it Monday morning. Amazing. But not quite what I want to eat for breakfast every day. Then, I decided to use peanut butter. A few chocolate chips. And my new favorite breakfast was born. Best part: It takes maybe 30 seconds to make.
See?

This recipe is easily adapted for vegans. Just use vegan chocolate chips. I would have, but I only have a bag of Ghirardelli bittersweet chips in my cupboard. You can use natural peanut butter, too. But I'd advise adding a bit of sugar or agave. The oats can be prepared in advance . . . but it's best to eat them the same day, I think.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oats
(Makes one gigantic serving or two modest servings)
What you'll need . . .
- 2/3 cup dry rolled oats
- 1 heaping tablespoon peanut butter (I used Skippy Natural)
- 1 light handful bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 handful of chopped walnuts
- Hot water
Method . . .
- Pour your oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and walnuts into a container. Shake (so the peanut butter doesn't just stick to the side). Get your butt to work!
- Use some hot water from you water cooler. Make some in the microwave. Or, if you're like me, grab some from your office pot and pour.
- Mix. Pour more to reach desired consistency. Keep stirring for about a minute.
- Then enjoy. Add slices banana for extra points. Pat yourself on the back because you're now the coolest person in the office. You're also full for several hours.