Guys, NYC is getting quite cold. I got sick last week, and the only thing I could really put in my mouth were spoonfuls of my brother’s delicious hot chili, Oly’s hot pot, and …. my oatmeal. When I was a kid, my dad LOVED eating oatmeal and tried to convince me to try it. I thought oatmeal’s smudgy texture was like “old people’s food” because it didn’t really require any biting and didn’t look very appetizing.  But hell, I love breakfast and the health benefits of oatmeal are quite impressive; it does magical wonders of providing antioxidants, provides making me feel full longer.

The other thing I love about oatmeal is that the add-in options for oatmeal are endless! I love altering between bananas, but if unavailable, apples or just dried cranberries are great. Nevertheless, adding any citrus-tang to it always helps energize me to get started through the day. Also, do note that there are a variety of ways to prepare oatmeal: Overnight (in a mason jar), over the stove top, and microwave. Although I’m a big fan of the overnight mason jar method, and  I’m not a big fan of the microwave, I’ll opt for the microwave on colder days for a quick way to start the day warm. (Really don’t like washing dishes and slow cooking simple meals for myself)

Anyway, vwala. Citrus oatmeal with cranberries. If you don’t want to cook everything in a pot, feel free to microwave with minute intervals of stirring.

Citrus Oatmeal with Cranberries

Ingredients

Preparation Time

5 min

Cooking Time

10 min

Ready In

5 min

Serving Size

1

• 1 C quick oats oatmeal*
• 1 3/4 C whole milk*
• 1/2 C orange cranberries*
• 1 orange
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Directions

Step 1.

Boil 1/2 C orange flavored or regular dried cranberries in pan filled with 1/2 C water. Drain.

Step 2.

Mix in 1 C milk (or substitute with milk alternatives like soymilk, almond milk, or oatmilk). Then slowly stir in 1 C desired oatmeal into pot.

Step 3.

Zest oranges or finely chop orange peels. Stir in about 1 tbsp orange peels, 1 tbsp dried/cooked cranberries, and/or 1 tbsp chia seeds. Serve immediately.

Step 4.

* Chef’s note: Quick oats can be substituted with old fashioned oatmeal and milk can be substituted with other milk substitutes. Add more for thinner texture, if preferred.