Looking for a great way to spice up your morning breakfast? You have to try this festive, healthy, and super easy to make recipe. The best way to start your day is with a power packed punch of vitamins, minerals, and protein which can all be found in this one bowl. This kid friendly breakfast is an excellent way to send your children off to school fueled up and ready to learn.
As you may have already heard breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. But if your home is anything like mine the morning is extremely loud, a bit chaotic, and beyond stressful. This is my crazy life with 4 boys and I wouldn’t change a single thing… well, maybe trying to get them fed, dressed, and packed for school in a timely fashion would make my life a little easier. But cooking a healthy and nutritious meal does not fall to the wayside. How else will these little monsters get refueled after burning all those calories wrestling for a good portion of the morning?
Oatmeal has to be the simplest meal to make. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put a few ingredients in a pot and cook it on a stove. If my kids were old enough to work the stove I would have them make me breakfast in bed😜. I have also found an even simpler way to prepare this breakfast!
People have asked me a million times how I am capable of cooking such healthy and nutritious meals in such a short time frame. This is where the “Batch Maker” comes to the rescue. Cooking the oatmeal in bulk and freezing it for later use has been the best trick I have up my sleeve. All I need to do is take it out of the freezer the night before and place it in the refrigerator to defrost. Reheat it in a pan that morning, add the toppings and presto a quick, nutritious breakfast.
Did I mention that the toppings to this meal raises the nutritional value? I like to call it “super porridge” and it will definitely satisfy your taste buds and help you achieve your recommended daily intake for that morning. My post would not be complete if I didn’t throw in a few nutritional facts.
GLUTEN-FREE ROLLED OATS – contain a type of soluble fiber called beta glucan which aids in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. High in fiber, oatmeal will help you feel full longer, eases constipation and also controls blood sugar.
PUMPKIN – rich in fiber, which slows digestion and makes you feel fuller longer. The high amount of beta-carotene found in pumpkin is converted into vitamin A in our body, in turn helps protect us from the sun’s wrinkle-causing UV rays, boost the immune system, and improves vision. Beta-carotene also helps fight cancer.
MESQUITE POWDER – is gluten-free and low on the glycemic index, which can help to keep blood sugar controlled. Mesquite powder has a rich, nutty, smoky, molasses-like flavor, with a hint of caramel. A great source of fiber and potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
NUTS AND SEEDS – contain good fats called mono- and polyunsaturated fats. These fats help manage inflammation and maintaining the normal structure of every cell in our body. They are also high in protein which will help build muscles.
HEMP SEEDS – a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a rich source of a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
FLAX SEEDS – another rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and it also contains dietary fibers, micronutrients, manganese, and vitamin B1 to name a few.
CHIA SEEDS – contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Other benefits include calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.
You cannot go wrong by giving this amazing recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
| Servings |
| 4 - 6 |
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Bored of the same old breakfast? Why not bring a little life to this morning staple by adding a little pumpkin spice to satisfy your cravings. Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, making you feel fuller longer and beta-carotene, which is great for your eyes and skin. Combined with some healthy toppings making this dish perfect to fuel up your tank in the morning.
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- 4 cups non-dairy milk unsweetened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ginger
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 - 2 tbsp. maple syrup or honey to taste
- 1 tbsp. mesquite powder optional
- In a large saucepan combine the milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.
- Once simmering, mix in the oats, cover with a lid, lower the flame and cook for about 10 - 20 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat, mix in the maple syrup or honey, mesquite powder and place the oats in serving dishes.
- Sprinkle on the toppings and enjoy!
What do you like to eat for breakfast?
Do you have a pumpkin recipe to share?
Did you ever freeze your food?
I love all the colors!
Thank you!