Savory and sweet.
Springy and satiating.
Say hello to my Zucchini Bread Oatmeal!

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If you are looking for a way to jazz up your oatmeal game, look no further! As you may know, I love oatmeal. I started getting into it sometime Junior year of college, because it’s easy to whip up (in the microwave or on the stovetop) and it’s filling enough to get me through that that mid-morning slump. You know what I’m talking about… 10:30am rolls around after you’ve had breakfast 4 or more hours ago, and you just don’t know if you will make it to lunch, because all you had for breakfast was a protein bar and a cup of coffee. NOT A GOOD IDEA by the way. Whatever happened to breakfast being the most important meal of the day? Why are we in such a hurry to hustle and bustle that we forget to feed our bodies with healthy, wholesome food? Take the time to sit down, prepare a well-rounded breakfast consisting of healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables and see what difference that will play in the rest of your day. You may be surprised by how much more energized you feel by actually eating a balanced breakfast. 

Anyway, back to oatmeal. When I first started eating oatmeal, I settled for cheap, packaged, cinnamon-sugar oatmeal. Full of processed sweeteners and ingredients I can’t pronounce, I decided to look for something more wholesome. That’s where Coach’s Oats came into play. They create 100% whole grain oats that have the texture of steel cut oats, BUT they can be cooked within a couple of minutes. So for busy, chaotic mornings, Coach’s Oats is the perfect blend of fast and fresh. And because their products aren’t pre-flavored or processed, like many other oatmeals on the market, you have the ability to create your own oatmeal masterpiece knowing exactly what you are eating with every bite. 

That’s the joy of making your own food at home. You know exactly what ingredients you are eating and where they come from. No guessing game required. 

So for this particular recipe, I tweaked my Morning Glory Oatmeal recipe just slightly. The only ingredients you need are Coach’s Oats (or any other plain oatmeal brand you have on hand), non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, etc.), zucchini, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Easy peasy!

Definitely not your grandma’s oatmeal! Brimming with flavor, crunch, and comfort, this oatmeal provides the taste of zucchini bread without the cook time. I certainly am ready for spring and summer to arrive, and I guarantee a recipe like this will put you in the spirit instantly. This particular recipe makes one serving, so if you are cooking for a crowd simply double or triple the recipe as needed. Enjoy!

Zucchini Bread Oatmeal  

1 packet of Coach’s Oats Instant Oats (or any plain instant oatmeal)
1/2 cup almond milk (or coconut)
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
1/2 cup shredded zucchini
1 Tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1 Tbsp maple syrup
handful of roasted pecans
1/2 tsp chia seeds

1. In a saucepan, bring the water and non-dairy milk to a boil on high heat. Stir in the oats, zucchini, cinnamon, nutmeg and coconut.
2. Bring the contents to a boil, then decrease the heat to low. Allow the contents to cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat, add maple syrup, and transfer to serving bowl.
4. Top with pecans, chia seeds, and any other toppings you prefer.

What are some of your favorite breakfast recipes?