Start with a bowl or jar. Begin by adding your old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined. You should see the milk starting to absorb into the oats, creating a nice base for your overnight oats.
Next, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce. This is where the flavor really begins to shine. Mix it into the oat mixture thoroughly. You want the tangy sweetness to be evenly distributed. If you’re feeling adventurous, taste and adjust to your liking.
At this point, you can decide how you want to store your oats. You can either divide the mixture into two jars for easy breakfast portions or store it all in one jar if you’re planning to consume it the next morning.
Cover your jar or bowl, then pop it into the fridge. This is where the oats will soak up the liquid and the flavors will meld together, ideally overnight. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 4 hours.
The next morning, retrieve your jar from the fridge. You’ll notice the oats are softer and the mixture is thicker. Stir in the remaining cranberry sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Now, it’s time to add the fun toppings! Sprinkle on your chopped dark chocolate, sliced almonds, chia seeds, and hemp hearts. These toppings not only add texture but also elevate the dish in both flavor and nutrition.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation! You’ve turned simple ingredients into a gourmet breakfast that’s ready to fuel your day.
