#632: Make ahead Oatmeal Smoothie

The search for easy, quick, filling, healthy breakfasts continue.  So I was eager to try this recipe as soon as I saw it.  I made two different versions (shown below) both using ingredients I had on hand.  I did not enjoy the Orange, Pineapple, Mango Oatmeal Smoothie, but I really am not a huge fan of orange juice and that was very prominent in this drink.  However, I was very happy and a huge fan of the Apple, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie one!  It is super thick and you can definitely tell there is oatmeal in it, but because of the thick texture, this kept me full for a long time.  Plus, it took me forever to drink it!  I will definitely make this again and look forward to trying other versions.


Apple, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie
1/4 cup uncooked oats (old fashioned rolled oats recommended; do not use steel cut oats)
1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds
1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup low-fat yogurt
3/4 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons honey, optional

Add oats and chia seeds to blender; blend on high until texture of flour. Add milk to blender; use spoon or spatula to stir in oats/chias from bottom. Add yogurt, peanut butter and applesauce. Blend on high until desired smoothness. Taste and add cinnamon and sweetener, if needed. Blend again. Transfer to pint (2 cup) jar or container; refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 4 hours, so oats, and chias can soften. Will keep in refrigerator at least 2-3 days. Shake before drinking.

IF TOO THICK after the fridge soak, add more juice or milk and shake jar/container or return to blender to combine.
FOR A SMOOTHER CONSISTENCY, return to blender after the fridge soak and blend again.
TO FREEZE: May be frozen after the 4 hour soak in the fridge. To thaw, move to fridge a day ahead so it is thawed for drinking the next day. For faster thaw, place frozen jar/container in bowl of cold water on the counter for 1-2 hours. Shake before drinking.
Orange, Pineapple, Mango Oatmeal Smoothie

1/4 cup uncooked oats

1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

1/2 c orange juice

1/2 c water

1/4 cup low-fat yogurt

1/2 c mango
1/2 c pineapple

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1-2 teaspoons honey, optional

Add oats and chia seeds to blender; blend on high until texture of flour. Add juice and water to blender; use spoon or spatula to stir in oats/chias from bottom. Add yogurt, mango and pineapple. Blend on high until desired smoothness. Taste and add cinnamon and sweetener, if needed. Blend again. Transfer to pint (2 cup) jar or container; refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 4 hours, so oats, and chias can soften. Will keep in refrigerator at least 2-3 days. Shake before drinking.