Step 1: Prep Oats the Night Before

Mix equal parts old-fashioned or steel cut oats (rolled oats, that is, not quick-cooking-they’ll get too mushy) and water along with a pinch of salt in a jar, cover and refrigerate overnight and up to 3 days. For one serving, we recommend using:

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup water (or milk or nondairy milk)

pinch of salt

Step 2: Topping Time

This is where you get to be the oatmeal master! Sweet, savory, it’s up to you. Once your oats are soaked and ready to go, open up that jar to add mix-ins and toppings. (You can also heat your oats first if you want warm oatmeal; just microwave in the jar-without the lid!-for about 30 seconds before topping.)

First, stir in sweeteners, creamy agents and spices, such as:

• nut butters
• yogurt or ricotta
• milk or nut milk
• maple syrup, honey or sugar
• ground cinnamon
• curry powder
• ground cardamom

Then, top it off with some fruit for natural sweetness and/or chopped nuts for a little extra crunch and texture, such as:

• raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries
• sliced bananas
• blueberries
• raspberries
• chopped dates or dried figs
• chopped pecans or cashews
• slivered almonds
• flaked coconut

Step 3: Dig In