By Kate Springer
As the holiday season comes to a close, and the months get colder, chances are you are back to the grind of work, juggling commitments and surviving the time of year when the sun sets all too early and the days lack sunshine. You want something comforting, simple, and, most of all, tasty. To brighten up your days, try overnight oats, which are versatile, delicious, and a must try during winter, or any time of the year. Read on to learn the basics of overnight oats, why they are popular, and which True North Granola product goes great in any overnight oats recipe.
What are Overnight Oats? Why are they Popular?
Overnight oats are essentially a healthy, no-cook method of making oatmeal. You can make them in advance, meaning that you will spend less time preparing breakfast in the morning and more time doing what you want-and need-to do. Instead of cooking the oats on a stove or in a microwave, oats are soaked in milk to absorb liquid and make them the right consistency to eat right out of the container.
Tip: Make them at night and stick them in the fridge before bedtime. In the morning, either take them out and eat cold with a spoon, or put them in the microwave to warm them up beforehand. We get that sometimes you just cannot wait, and that is fine! Make sure, however, to keep them refrigerated for at least 2 hours before gobbling them up.
These oats are popular not only because they are fun to eat, but because one gets all of the health benefits of oats when they eat them as well, including the following:
- Plenty of protein: Oats have 5g per serving, which is more than most grains.
- High in antioxidants, which could lower blood sugar levels.
- Great source of fiber (4g per serving), which keeps one feeling full for longer.
- Might help one lose weight by slowing down the emptying process of the stomach.
Overnight oats have become a hit with busy moms on the go, overwhelmed office workers, fickle teenagers, content retirees and others young and old for their aesthetic appeal, health benefits and endless flavor possibilities.
An Essential Addition to any Overnight Oats: Oats Pure and Simple
As you can probably tell, an essential component to overnight oats is, well, the oats. If you are searching for some high quality ones, look no further. Our Oats Pure and Simple includes 24 oz. of certified gluten free rolled oats. The True North Team loves using these for oatmeal or all kinds of baking, from smoothies to cookie dough. The bag features a recipe for traditional oatmeal that makes for a quick, nutritious breakfast. Let your creative instincts take over and your imagination soar—the recipes to use these in are endless. Oats Pure and Simple are also vegan, non-GMO, kosher and free from soy and peanuts. These are a great base for overnight oats.
A bag costs just $8, but if you would prefer to get these mailed to you on a regular basis, do not forget that we offer a subscription program option, our response to the rise of one-click ordering systems. Once you complete a subscription order the first time, sit back and let us do the rest. Order a monthly subscription and save 7% on all subsequent subscription orders. This is an increase from the previous discount of 5% (but please note that bimonthly subscriptions save 5% off each order). Plus, it’s flexible: cancel or pause your subscription at any time.
“No Recipe” Recipes for Overnight Oats
Now that you know a little about overnight oats, it is time for us to give you what you have been waiting for: some recipes. These two recipes should get you well on your way to enjoying overnight oats, or any kind of recipe that includes oats, nuts and fruit. Have fun!
The More Traditional Route: Ingrid’s Fruit and Nut-Packed Stovetop Oats
Our company’s co-founder, Ingrid, often makes stovetop oats loaded with tasty goodies. To mix up your own batch, simply cook Oats Pure and Simple over the stove, adding in water or your milk of choice. For added flavor, add a drizzle of maple syrup (we love Hidden Springs Maple, our maple syrup provider), in addition to the nuts, seeds, dried fruit and Nutty No Grainer of your choice. Use your creativity to put in whatever you may desire: seasonal fruit, berries, chia seeds, jam and cinnamon are favorites. Once done, place in a bowl or jar, refrigerate and enjoy in the days to come.
Basic Overnight Oats
1. In a bowl or 1-pint mason jar, add 1/3 cup of Oats Pure and Simple, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and a splash of milk (dairy, soy, almond and oat work well). Mix 1 tablespoon of nut or sunflower seed butter or canned pumpkin in with the oat mixture.
2. Add an additional ½ cup of milk. Stir to combine.
3. Add a ½ cup of fruit (we like sliced bananas, strawberries or a handful of blueberries), but be mindful that if you want fruit to be at the top of your overnight oats, hold off on adding them until just before you dig in.
4. Put a lid or plastic wrap on the container and let them set overnight. Add fruit, cinnamon or more maple syrup before eating. These should keep for up to 5 days.
We hope this piece inspires you to try overnight oats this season. They are hearty and a great way to start the day. Get cooking!
Save big during our January Sale
Inspired to try Oats Pure and Simple? For a limited time, get a discount when you do. From January 8-January 14, 2021, take 5% off your purchase when you buy this product, our First Date Granola and or our Oats So Good Muesli with or without fruit and nuts (read more about it in this blog!). Simply enter the code ‘jan21‘ when ordering to save. May 2021 bring you good health and many tasty creations.
