Hot Maple Cinnamon Oat Bran
There’s nothing like a warm breakfast on a cold winter morning. For me, comforting carbs with an optional boost of protein and natural sweeteners hit the spot every time.
Hot cooked oats with high-fiber flax, sweet cinnamon and maple syrup combine for a hearty and energy-packed breakfast. For those of you who aren’t much into early morning meals, this dish could also be served as a mid-morning or pre-workout snack.
You’ll have to excuse the smaller bowl/portion that is photographed…I was hungry after my morning workout and I proceeded to eat about 1/3 of this dish prior to taking photos. My rubbling stomach got the best of me 🙂
Hot Maple Oat Bran
Hot Maple Cinnamon Oat Bran
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oat bran (or half gluten free rolled oats and half oat bran)
- 1 cup water
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 to 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, optional for protein boost
- 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal (chia seeds or hemp seeds would also be delicious)
- 1 tsp coconut oil, butter, ghee or earth balance (can omit for lower fat but I like the richness)
- 1 to 3 tsp maple syrup to taste (agave or honey could be subbed)
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5-6 pecan halves, chopped (other nuts/seeds can be subbed)
- fresh berries
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine oat bran, salt and water over the stove on high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and stir until desired consistency is reached, stirring often (mine cooks for about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in protein powder, coconut oil/butter, maple syrup, flax meal, cinnamon and half of pecans.
- Top with berries and remaining pecans and enjoy
Serves one (can be doubled or tripled)
For flavor variations: use a different sweetener like honey or agave, top with almond butter, pecan butter, cashew butter, coconut butter, shredded coconut, bananas, non-dairy milk, yogurt and/or dried fruit
