Two kid-approved, healthy instant oatmeal breakfasts (that aren't porridge)

Happy Hump Day, friends! I hope the week is going swimmingly for everyone. Here it’s felt a little bit more like drowning in moments, but good. There is plenty to worry about, juggle, and wade through, but the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and we have music, movement, nature, and good books. I hope it’s circumstances are similar for you and more. :)

So, anyone else have picky porridge eaters at home? I take that back. “Picky” isn’t really a fair word at all, is it? Especially when it concerns kids. We are all entitled to claim our personal tastes, aren’t we, particularly when it comes to evolving taste buds and bodies growing by leaps and bounds.

Breakfast can pose conundrums, though, with those blossoming buds. Porridge was Chef F’s first food, and a longtime favorite. Then one day, it just wasn’t. Not only that, he didn’t like it at all. It was the texture to be sure, and rice pudding gets similarly snubbed nowadays. Chia pudding, however, similar but several shades smoother, is delighted in. So are blended baked oats, pancakes, waffles, and muffins with oats in the batter, and these lovely QUICK breakfasts.

A big THANK YOU to One Degree Organics for sending us samples of their Sprouted Quinoa Hemp and Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal, varieties which are both low in sugar, full of flavor, easy on digestion, and a golden key to quick and easy breakfasts F is pleased to start the day with. Best of all, they come from a conscious company we have absolute trust for in its commitment to 100% transparency, sustainability, and top quality, nutrient-rich products. All One Degree Organics products are non-GMO, and certified as Glyphosate Residue free, using third-party testing to confirm the absence of this harmful pesticide, classified by WHO as a probable carcinogen. Of equal value, this company’s commitment to clean foods means sourcing every single ingredient from organic farmers which owners, the Smith-Houghton family, meet personally, and through clever technology provide consumers access to as well. With these products, there are soooo many delicious and nourishing ways to vote with your fork (or spoon), and that is a joyful and empowering thoughts.

But, we were talking about breakfast. Power up instantly with a simple muesli that can feel like science fun if you’re up for it. Muesli is really just un-cooked granola, and the subtle sweetness of One Degree Organics Spouted Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal, as well as the more delicate texture of the oats, works beautifully with any combination of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds that you wish, so the whole family can tailor to taste. We like to add in a little unsweetened shredded coconut, too.

If you’re looking for something with more decadent flair, this quick chocolate-covered strawberry “bircher” (quotes because it’s not overnight, and suuuuper quick) and nice cream parfait is for you! Layers add extra special appeal to just about anything, don’t they? In any case, you can’t really go wrong with such a refreshing, healthy, and delightful way to spring into the day. AND, big bonus, it’s health food with all the signatures (look/taste) of dessert! Have a delightful week, friends. xo

Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal Muesli
Approximately 12 servings or ⅓ Cup each

2 Cups One Degree Organics Sprouted Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal
½ Cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 Cup mixed nuts and seeds of choice
½ Cup chopped dried fruit of choice

In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container.

Chocolate covered strawberry nice cream and ‘bircher’ parfait
2 servings
For the bircher:
1 Cup One Degree Organics Quinoa Hemp Instant Oatmeal
2 Tablespoons cacao powder
½ Cup unsweetened plant yogurt
⅓ Cup unsweetened plant milk (more to taste)

For the nice cream:
1 frozen very ripe banana, cut into chunks
1 Cup frozen strawberries
½ Cup frozen raspberries (or more strawberries)
⅓ Cup unsweetened plant milk of choice

Prepare the bircher: mix all ingredients together in a bowl and let rest while making the nice cream.
Prepare the nice cream: Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth, adding plant milk, water,  or coconut water as needed.
To assemble, alternately layer nice cream and bircher in serving glasses.  Enjoy!