Chocolate Spice Oatmeal Food

EASY CHOCOLATE OATMEAL: MY GO-TO BREAKFAST

Steps:

• Microwave the first three ingredients together in a large bowl for 3 minutes. (I use a large serving bowl so the oatmeal doesn't run over in the microwave. If the oats aren't soft in 3 minutes, cook longer until the desired texture is reached. Some microwaves are stronger than others.) You could also cook this mixture on the stovetop until the desired consistency is reached.
• Stir the cocoa powder and sweetener into the oatmeal. Top with a moderate amount of sliced banana and a splash of almond milk if desired. (Sometimes I stir a little almond milk into the oatmeal along with the cooca powder and sweetener if I want it to be thinner or not so dark chocolatey.) Since we're allowed a teaspoon of fat in a THM:E meal, sometimes I add a teaspoon of coconut oil or peanut butter to the oatmeal. Smearing the peanut butter on top of the oatmeal after stirring the cocoa powder in lets you get more noticeable flavor.
• Update: I've found that stirring in 2 T. whey protein powder and 1 tsp. refined coconut oil when I add the cocoa powder and sweetener really revs my metabolism! Add a little bit of almond milk if it's too thick.
• Another update: I actually prefer collagen over whey protein for less taste. I cook the oatmeal; stir in my salt, sweetener, cocoa powder, and collagen; then top with half a sliced banana. Since I'm allowed 5 grams of added fat in a THM E meal, I like to add a splash of half and half, a few sugar free chocolate chips, or a teaspoon of natural peanut butter to the top of the oatmeal as well.

QUICK CHOCOLATE OATMEAL

Steps:

• Combine milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Stir oats into boiling milk and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

CHOCOLATE OATMEAL

Steps:

• Heat milk and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until begining to simmer.
• Reduce heat and add oats, cocoa and sugar.
• Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until thickened.
• If you want your oatmeal thick or watery, this is where you determine the consistency- don't stop until it's pretty much at the consistency you would like.
• Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes (this cooks the oatmeal more thoroughly).
• Remove cover, stir and serve.
• Garnish with chocolate chips, nuts, and/or fruit if desired.

VANILLA SPICE OATMEAL

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
• In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Swirl in the brown sugar and place the oatmeal in serving bowls. Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Note: For a quicker version using quick cooking or plain instant oatmeal: Cook the oatmeal according to the directions on the package. Stir raisins, brown sugar, and nutmeg into the cooked oatmeal. Top with milk, nuts (toasted or un-toasted) and cinnamon.

LOADED OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together white flour, wheat flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, cloves, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl combine butter, with both sugars by creaming them. The easiest way to do this is with an electric mixer. Beat them on medium until they are light and fluffy.
• Into the large bowl add the vanilla extract, milk and eggs and beat on medium until all ingredients are mixed. Add in flour mixture and beat on medium again until all ingredients are mixed. Fold in oats, walnuts and chocolate chips.
• Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough and shape into a ball. Place it onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Place cookie sheet in oven and bake for 10-15 minutes depending on you oven. If you like soft cookies shoot for around 12 or 13 minutes. If you them chewy shoot for 14 or 15 minutes.
• Remove cookies from the oven and let cool.

OATMEAL SPICE MIX

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 9 batches (about 1 cup total)., To prepare oatmeal: In a bowl, combine oats and 2 tablespoons oatmeal spice mix. Add enough boiling water until oatmeal is desired consistency. Sprinkle with brown sugar if desired.

EASY LOW-FAT CHOCOLATE OATMEAL

Steps:

• Combine oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Top off with as much milk as desired.

SPICY OATMEAL COOKIE MIX

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a 1-qt. glass jar, layer flour mixture, brown sugar, sugar, oats, chips and coconut, packing well between each layer. Cover and store in a cool, dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (4 cups). , To prepare cookies: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter, egg and vanilla. Add cookie mix and mix well. , Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.