Goooood morning! I’m in a great mood right now, because I only have one class left for the day, no more homework due until Wednesday next week (practically a lifetime away), and I just treated myself to some on campus coffee!
Delicious New England hazelnut. Sometimes it’s really the little things that count, right? I’ve been trying to avoid spending a ton of money on campus like my undergraduate days, so this is the first coffee I’ve bought since the first day of class. Totally justified.
I love being on a college campus.
Today was such a perfect day weather wise. Could not have been more beautiful. I like to refer to it as a “room temperature” day. When the temperature outside is what you set your thermostat to be indoors, how could it get any better?
Pretty.
So last week I told you guys all about the best protein oats I ever made in my entire life and how it was all due to a fit of inspiration and a secret ingredient, remember?
Well it’s time to share that secret ingredient!
Vanilla Almond Protein Oatmeal
Adapted from Kath Eats. Serves 1.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/2 cup water
1/2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 a banana, sliced thinly (may use a frozen one, I do!)
1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder
~1/4 tsp vanilla extract
~1/2 tsp cinnamon
~1/8 tsp almond extract <—- the secret ingredient!
Instructions:
1. Combine oats, milk, water, and chia seeds in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. While the oatmeal heats, slice a banana into very thin slices.
3. Once the oats begin to bubble, stir banana in vigorously to whip the banana into the oats.
4. When the banana is fully incorporated, add the scoop of protein powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and almond extract. Turn the heat down to medium-low.
5. Allow ingredients to meld together for a couple minutes until liquid is fully absorbed. The oats are done when they reach your desired consistency.
6. Add any toppings you like, I went with an apple and a big ol’ scoop of almond butter! The nutrition info below doesn’t include the toppings, FYI.
Nutrition:
Notes:
Oh man guys. This oatmeal.
SO delicious. If you’ve never tried almond extract, I highly recommend you go buy some immediately. I can’t even describe the taste to you, but I guarantee it’s been that ingredient that’s made you go “Hmm….WHAT is in these cookies/bars/cupcakes/etc?” It’s the secret ingredient! The secret to health! The secret to happiness!
Ok I’m taking it too far, sorry.
I actually bought my almond extract at Home Goods. Totally random, but I found it in the kitchen area with their specialty foods, which of course means I got a sweet deal. I just can’t get enough of Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Marshall’s. I actually went to the mall last weekend with my mom, and was so outraged at all the prices that we left and drove straight to TJ’s! I’m a total convert.
What was I talking about?
Oh right. Oatmeal. Try it with almond extract!! Just do it.
I was just thinking about what I should make for breakfast this morning, and I think I found my answer!
Awesome! I hope you try it!
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels that way about a college campus. There’s just something about them…especially this time of year!
So true! It’s hard to explain but you’re right, just something about them. Comforting in a weird way. I’m so thankful to be back, even if it’s only a couple days a week!
Oh man I really miss being on a college campus. I am incredibly jealous right now!! Being stuck in my tiny office cubicle away from any windows is no fun at all
Your oatmeal look awesome! I need to buy some almond extract…
Aw, don’t be too jealous! I’m currently sitting in my tiny office cubicle as I type this (no windows either). I only get to enjoy the beautiful college campus twice a week right now, but I’ll take it! I miss undergrad so much still. And seriously, keep an eye out for almond extract. It’s a great twist from the standard vanilla!
This looks pretty incredible, and actually really healthy. I might try the same thing with steel cut oats, I’m a steel cut oats fan boy…. lol, it’s not a very big fan club.
Thanks! It’s definitely one of my favorite oatmeal recipes now, I hope you try it! And let me know how it turns out with the steel cut oats, I’ve actually never tried them before. I should though, I love trying new foods!
I’ll let you know, totally check out the steel cut oats, they’re supposed to be even better for you.
I love oatmeal! we have been having some lovely weather days here as well! It is feeling so much like fall! (:
Fall is really the best weather, sunny and mild during the day, cool and chilly at night. Doesn’t get much better!
such a beautiful campus, there is something about the undergraduate fall I always loved.
Same here, the fall and back-to-school time. I love it, maybe it’s the feeling of new beginnings? I don’t know, but it’s great to be back on a college campus!
Great idea — I recently have developed a newfound love for all things almond related. [What college campus is that, btw?? It looks familiar
]
I LOVE the fall for that very reason — the start of the school year, and mix of almonds, cinnamon, pumpkins, etc. —
Ah does it really look familiar? It’s Tufts, I just started grad school there a few weeks ago!
I totally agree, fall is such a great season…the flavors, the weather, the clothes, I’m loving it all!
Wow congrats — a fellow Boston grad student!! I’m studying English here too
Nothing beats fall in New England. Good luck with your studies!!
Aw, that’s awesome! How cool. Good luck to you too!!
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