Overnight Fruit, Chia and Oats Snack
Ellie Krieger from Create TV inspired this one. She demonstrated a blueberry version of this great, make-ahead tasty and healthy breakfast or snack. I have adjusted it to work with about any fruit you might want to try. Fresh fruit is the key. I have done this one with fresh blueberries and strawberries but pears, apples,grapes, raspberries, blackberries, apricots, bananas, and so on. The oats and chia seed help make this a wonderful pudding like fruity treat that is good for you.
Ingredients
2/3] cup whole natural nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts), divided
1[1/2] cups nonfat or 1% milk
1 cup nonfat or low-fat plain (or vanilla) yogurt (not Greek-style Or “Light” yogurt)
[1/3] cup all-fruit jam that compliments the fruit.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (not required if you use Vanilla yogurt)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 cups fruit, divided
Directions
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then chop them coarsely.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the milk, yogurt, jam, and vanilla. Stir in the oats, chia seeds, and half of the almonds. Then stir in 1 cup of the blueberries.
- Divide the mixture evenly among four 12-ounce (1[1/2]-cup) jars. Top each with the remaining blueberries and almonds.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours. Serve chilled or at room temperature.(Note: the nuts on top will soften a bit in the refrigerator. If you want them extra-crunchy, sprinkle them on right before serving)
Makes 4 servings . Serving size: 1 jar containing about 1 cup oat mixture and [1/4] cup topping The jars will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator.