Fridge Oatmeal -- OMG You Guys.

So, I know I am going to come across as sounding a little kooky here, but I think I have found my new love, in a mason jar. I've been a bit of a Fridge Oatmeal Evangelist lately, I admit. I just can't stop sharing this with everyone around me, so naturally it was time for a Fridge Oatmeal blog post :)

Now I know oatmeal in a jar doesn't sound all that exciting, but it has been a complete game changer for me. Actually, when I first saw this on The Yummy Life I was skeptical that it would be any good. But you guys... it's like a little jar of awesomeness - so yummy, so easy, so portable, and keeps you full all morning. Really, what more could you want?

A quick search of "Fridge Oatmeal" on Pinterest will yield a plethora of different recipes, really the possibilities are endless, but the basic recipe is the same:
- mason jar with a lid
- old fashioned rolled oats
- a liquid to soften them (milk, almond milk, goat's milk)
- fruit, sweetener if you're using tart fruits (honey, maple syrup...)
- any extras you want (flax, chia, greek yogurt, vanilla, peanut butter, cocoa...)

That's it. You combine them all in the jar the night before (I do it while making the kids' lunches for the next day), put the lid on and shake it, and leave in the fridge overnight. Grab it on the way out the door the next morning (or while getting ready, while kids are eating, before your yoga workout, whatever) and you've got breakfast all done and ready. It's not cooked, it's not hot, it's creamy and sweet and amazeballs.

Anyway, I think I've adequately conveyed how awesome they are... without further ado I thought I'd share the two recipes I've been using lately.

Before the magic of the night

Blueberry Maple Fridge Oatmeal

In a mason jar, combine:

• 3/4 - 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (depending on how thick you like it)
• 3/4 cup almond or skim milk
• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp ground flax
• 1 tsp vanilla

Pop the top on (I use the plastic lids as they seem more spill-proof and easier to clean), and give it a good shake. Top with fresh blueberries, then replace the lid and leave in the fridge overnight.

Apple Cinnamon Fridge Oatmeal

In a mason jar, combine:

• 3/4 - 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats 
• 1/2 cup almond or skim milk
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp ground flax
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pop the top on, give it a good shake, and place in the fridge until morning.

I seriously love this stuff!!! You can play with amounts until you have just the right consistency and amount of oatmeal to keep you going in the morning. What a way to start the day! I can't wait to try some of the other recipes sprinkled throughout the interwebs. Banana, peanut butter and cocoa anyone?