Simply Delicious Oatmeal Bowls

I'm lovin' my oatmeal bowls these mornings! I like to make a big batch of oatmeal over the weekend; and then just heat up an individual serving during the week-day mornings ~ adding 2-3 toppings to make the bowls complete. Toasting nuts and coconut flakes really enhance their flavors... to make sure I don't skip this step, I prepare them in advance too. The simpler, the better ~ who has time for anything but a quick breakfast during the work work ;o)  100% whole grain steel cut oats are my oats of choice because they're the least processed oat cereal and are chewier in texture than the more traditional rolled oats. I usually limit my toppings for each bowl to 2 tablespoons ~ so they aren't overloaded with calories. Below are some of my favorite topping combinations:

GRANOLA, BANANA AND ALMOND  BUTTER OATMEAL BOWL

This combination was inspired by Zest Juice, a juice and smoothie bar that offers incredibly delicious smoothie bowls. These are the toppings I get on my Cacao Almond bowls ;o)

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of oatmeal
• 1 heaping tsp of brown sugar, pure maple syrup or other sweetener, if desired
• 1/2 Tbsp granola
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 Tbsp almond butter

Directions:

Cook oatmeal, per package directions, and place in individual bowl. With a spoon, lightly swirl brown sugar into oats. Top with granola, banana and almond butter. And enjoy ;o)

OATMEAL, POACHED EGG & CHEESE OATMEAL BOWL

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of oatmeal
• 1 heaping tsp of brown sugar, pure maple syrup or other sweetener OR 1 tsp butter, if desired
• 1 egg, poached
• 1 ounce shredded colby-jack cheese (or substitute any kind of cheese)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook oatmeal, per package directions, and place in individual bowl. With a spoon, lightly swirl brown sugar into oats. 
2. Heat water with dash of salt and drop of white vinegar over high heat; carefully drop the egg in the center, while quickly stirring outer edges of water in one direction (which will help ends of egg whites stay together). Turn off heat and cover pan, letting egg cook for 5 minutes. Remove egg with slotted spoon to drain off water; place on top of oats.
3. Top with shredded cheese around edges and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

OATMEAL BOWL WITH BROWN SUGAR, PECANS AND DRIED CRANBERRIES

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of oatmeal
• 1 heaping tsp of brown sugar, pure maple syrup or other sweetener, if desired
• 1 Tbsp pecans, toasted
• 1 Tbsp reduced sugar (or other) dried cranberries

Directions:

Cook oatmeal, per package directions, and place in individual bowl. With a spoon, lightly swirl brown sugar into oats. Top with toasted pecans and dried cranberries.

OATMEAL BOWL WITH TOASTED ALMONDS, BLUEBERRIES AND BUCKWHEAT

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of oatmeal
• 1 heaping tsp of brown sugar, pure maple syrup or other sweetener, if desired
• 1 Tbsp buckwheat
• 1 heaping Tbsp blueberries
• 1/2 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

Cook oatmeal, per package directions, and place in individual bowl. With a spoon, lightly swirl brown sugar into oats. Top with buckwheat, blueberries and almonds.

MY FAVORITE OATMEAL BOWL with

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of oatmeal
• 1 heaping tsp of brown sugar, pure maple syrup or other sweetener, if desired
• 1/2 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp coconut flakes, toasted

Directions:

Cook oatmeal, per package directions, and place in individual bowl. With a spoon, lightly swirl brown sugar into oats. Top with toasted almonds, chia seeds and toasted coconut flakes.

BERRY DELICIOUS OATMEAL BOWL

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of oatmeal
• 2 Tbsp blueberry or raspberry greek yogurt (fruit on the bottom-type, if possible ;o)
• 1 heaping Tbsp blueberries
• 1 heaping Tbsp rasberries
• 1/2 Tbsp macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped and toasted

Directions:

Cook oatmeal, per package directions, and place in individual bowl. With a spoon, lightly swirl yogurt into oats?? Top with blueberries, raspberries and macadamia nuts. Berry delicious!