AB&J Overnight Oats

  I just discovered my favorite to-go breakfast - AB&J Overnight Oats! With three children 3 and under, if I don't make my breakfast ahead of time I invariably end up skipping it altogether. I have been experimenting with several combinations of "cold oatmeal" (as my toddler calls it) and stumbled upon this idea. I love it because it keeps me full until lunch -even when breastfeeding! And with 14 grams of protein per serving, tons of Omega 3's, fiber, a gajillion antioxidants, and a shelf life of 5 days what's not to love?? 

4 cups almond milk

1/4 cup plain almond butter (no sweetener, oil, etc.)

2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

1/4 cup + 2 Tbs chia seeds

2 Tbs maple syrup

1/4 cup orange juice

a good pinch of salt

3 cups berries

     In a blender, combine the wet ingredients (including almond butter) until smooth. Meanwhile, mix all the dry ingredients except berries in a large bowl. Pour milk-mixture over dry ingredients and stir well. Cover and refrigerate at least an hour but preferably overnight. After oats have set, stir in berries and divide into 5 pint jars. Monday - Friday breakfast done!

(Makes 5 approx. 1 1/2 cup servings.)

**Many substitutions could be made here! Peanut butter for almond butter, another sweetener for the maple syrup, coconut for almond milk.… The only substitution I would NOT make is regular milk for plant-based milk because the combination of dairy + citrus may not keep well in the fridge for several days.**