a simple real food recipe :: soaked applesauce oatmeal

Just because its summer doesn’t mean you don’t need some quick breakfast ideas up your sleeve!

This will get you out the door to the beach in no time – and keep those bellies full for a morning of fun in the sun!

It is also a great pack up breakfast for those that are on the go to work – when this is on the breakfast menu I typically make it up before my hubby leaves for work and pack it up in a container for him to have on his way to work or once he gets there 😉

You’ll Need:

• 2 cups oats (Not quick oats. If you are gluten free make sure they say gluten free like THIS one from Bob’s Red Mill brand does)
• Juice of 1 lemon (or about ¼ cup whey)
• 1 cup organic unsweetened applesauce (HERE is my homemade version if you want to try that!)
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed
• 1 ¾ cup filtered water
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 – 1 ½ TB cinnamon (if you are using my applesauce recipe, cut this in half since the applesauce already will have cinnamon in it)
• 3 TB pure maple syrup or raw honey
• ¾ cup organic raisins or other dried fruit (optional but yummy!)
• Optional stir-ins after cooking for added nourishment: real butter, whole cream, whole yogurt (Preferably pastured, organic, etc. Never ULP on the cream)

1. The night before you want to make the oatmeal combine the oats and lemon juice in a small bowl with enough water to cover the oats, and let it sit in a warm spot in your kitchen overnight 8-12 hours. This soaking process breaks down the phytic acid in the oats making it easier on the tummy to digest – even if you think you digest oats fine, over time grains that are not properly prepared will be hard on the gut lining.
2. The next morning pour the oats in a strainer and let it drain a few minutes while you put the rest of the ingredients in a medium pot. Add the strained oats.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer for 3-5 minutes until desired consistency – if you want it runnier add more water or milk, if you want it thicker just cook it a little longer until it thickens.

Kitchen Tips:

• This makes enough oatmeal for 2-3 breakfasts for my family of 4. If I stir in yogurt and serve with whole milk we usually just eat that. Sometimes I serve a smaller serving along with a plate of fried eggs or hard boiled eggs, or even a small smoothie with yolks.
• Re-heat leftovers with a couple splashes of water the next day or pack it up hot in a thermos for a warm snack or lunch the next day at work or school.
• Don’t forget the babes! Right around 1 year old is a great time to introduce gentle soaked grains like soaked oats and see how they do! Leave out the raisins due to choking though 😉
• Read THIS and THIS on why healthy fats like butter, cream, yogurt, and yolks are so good for nourishing brain development!
• Read THIS on why the typical fast breakfast of cold cereal is dangerous and just plain toxic.
• Need other quick oatmeal ideas? Try this banana bread oatmeal! YUM!

YOUR TURN!
Let me know how this helps your morning go fast and how the family likes it!

This post was shared at Real Food Forager’s Fat Tuesday, and Holistic Squid’s Party Wave Wednesday!