Overnight Oatmeal

When the weather warms up, my consumption of oatmeal (except in cookies) goes way down. This recipe is the perfect solution. I should make this all the time, but I will forget about it for long periods of time, then rediscover it. It's such a fabulously versatile recipe and crazy easy. Make it a staple of your summer breakfast routine-I know I will (that is, unless I forget about it again-sigh.)

Overnight Oatmeal

Right, so, I really never measure anything in this recipe, which means I guess you can't technically call it a recipe. But, here is the general idea.

2 cups old fashioned oatmeal (don't use quick cook, because it will turn to mush....unless, of course, you're a fan of mush....then go for it)
1/2 cup assorted dried fruit
1/4 cup chopped nuts
3 T orange juice (I know that sounds weird, but trust me)
2 T honey or maple syrup
2 T wheat germ or ground flax seed

-mix all of this together in a bowl, then add milk-enough to cover to the top of the oatmeal mixture

All of the 'mix ins' are optional, and you can just have fun inventing your own combinations. Also, vary the amounts depending on your taste. I tend to really load it up with the good stuff.
Here are some ideas for dried fruit :
raisins
dried cranberries
dried blueberries
chopped dried apricots
dried cherries
chopped dates
chopped dried plums (the more appealing name for prunes)
chopped dried mango
dried pineapple
ok-you get the drift.....

Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, you can just scoop a bowl full out and it's ready to eat. You can always add a little more milk or honey as desired. It can also be heated up if you prefer not to eat it cold, or want to extend this into your winter routine. A batch will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days, which means you have a no-cook breakfast ready to go all through the work week!