Creamy Chia Oatmeal

Good morning, and happy Wednesday! I'm offering up my sincerest apologies for this photo, but certainly not apologizing for the recipe. It's killer good and a huge hit with my husband, who begged me to put the recipe up for you guys. Hey, if Joey is raving about oatmeal, it's most certainly got something going on, right?

Over the past few weeks, my love for oatmeal has heated back up. My favorite thing about oats has always been the fact that if you cook them slowly, you can get your oats to absorb a ridiculous amount of water, hence making for a giant, filling bowl at breakfast without added calories. But it wasn't until recently that I realized you can also bulk up your oats and add great texture and nutrition by stirring in a tablespoon of chia seeds. 

If you're unfamiliar with chia seeds, they are a small but mighty food that provides fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium and antioxidants. They have a slightly nutty flavor and get bigger when added to liquid, making portions extra generous. If you're looking for more information, check out what Dr. Oz has to say about chia HERE.

Of course, this oatmeal is about more than just health. It's perfect, creamy, fluffy and all around delicious. All of which is made better by adding a generous scoop of peanut butter atop for good measure. 

Creamy Chia Oatmeal 

Makes 1 serving 

*1 2/3 cup water

*Pinch of salt

*3/4 cup rolled oats (not instant)

*1 tablespoon chia seeds

*2 to 3 tablespoons milk 

*1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

*2 packets Stevia or 2 tablespoons brown sugar 

*1 tablespoon natural peanut butter 

Instructions

*In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, salt, oats and chia seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally, for six to eight minutes or until oats and chia seeds are puffed up and the oats just begin to bubble/boil. For ultra creamy oatmeal, cook at an even lower heat for more time. 

*When oats begin to bubble, add in the milk, cinnamon and sweetener or sugar. Continue to cook for two to three minutes, until the oats have absorbed the milk and the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Top with the peanut butter. Serve immediately. 

Happy Cooking!

Madison