Oats!

My all time favourite ingredient EVER! Oats are a gluten free whole grain/cereal product which comes in many forms including steel cut (the whole oat groat), rolled and quick (instant, more processed) oats. Oats are one of the most highly nutritious foods as they are a good source of carbohydrates and soluble fibre including beta-glucan which aids in lowering LDL and total cholesterol. Oats also contain important vitamins and minerals such as Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Copper, Iron, Zinc and many more! They're very filling, provide ample energy and can be used in many different ways!

RECIPES

Quick Pancakes:

• ½ - ¾ cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp flax seeds

• 1 banana

• 1 cup plant milk

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

1. In a blender, add the oats and flax seeds and pulse until you reach a fine flour.

2. Add ½ the banana, cinnamon and milk. Blend on high until you reach a thick batter.

3. Cook on a medium heat until each side is golden.

4. Serve with chia seed jam, remaining ½ banana and hemp seeds (optional).

5. Makes about 6 pancakes. Mixture could also be used in a waffle iron!

Overnight Oats:

• ½ cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 scoop protein powder (optional)

• ½ apple, chopped

• ½ cup plant milk

• ½ cup water or more plant milk

• Toppings

1. Combine all ingredients in a container and stir well to combine.

2. Seal with the lid and place in the fridge overnight.

3. In the morning, stir mixture well and adding a dash more milk if needed to bring the mixture together.

4. Transfer to a bowl and top with your favourite toppings such as fresh pear with cinnamon, peanut butter and pumpkin seeds!

Choc-Orange & Almond Granola:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• ½ cup almonds (roughly chopped)

• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

• 1 tbsp cacao power

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Rind of 1 orange

• Juice of 1 orange

• ½ - 1 cup pitted dates

• Boiling water (~ ½ cup)

1. Preheat oven to 180degC.

2. In a small bowl, add the pitted dates and cover with boiling water. Allow to sit for 5-10mins.

3. In a larger bowl, combine the oats, chopped almonds, seeds, cacao, cinnamon and orange rind.

4. Once the dates are soft, in a small food processor, blitz the dates, water and orange juice.

5. Pour the date mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine, ensuing the wet mixture is thoroughly mixed through all dry ingredients.

6. Transfer mixture onto a lined baking tray and spread out evenly.

7. Baker for 30-40mins, checking every 10mins and giving the mixture a stir.

8. Allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container for storage.

ENJOY

X