Did you know that oats weren't always the breakfast champion they are today? For centuries, oats were considered a lowly weed and a contaminant. Those days are gone! Move aside toast and (sugar-filled) cereal; oats are the new breakfast queen (or king)! 

Oats are now known for their nutritional power, packing a punch of fibre, vitamins, and minerals to fuel your day and keep you feeling full. And they're incredibly versatile, too! From baking to savoury dishes, oats can do it all. But today, we're focusing on our energising breakfast oatmeal Bowl - a delicious, easy vegan oats recipe.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

• One cup oats
• Two dates
• 500ml plant-based milk (almond, soy, coconut, ...)
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Any chocolaty treat you like (we love to use a Cacao Smoothie Bomb or a teaspoon of the Choc Whiz for their hidden health benefits)

Toppings (get creative!):

• Coconut yogurt
• Raspberries
• Banana slices
• Cacao nibs
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Whiz up the dates, half your plant-based milk and the chocolate you choose in a blender until smooth and chocolaty. 
2. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan until it simmers.
3. Pour your blended mixture into the warm milk, stir and let it simmer for a minute or two.
4. Reduce the heat and add the oats and cinnamon. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed, then remove from heat and let the oats soak up any excess liquid.
5. Cover the pot and let your oats rest in the fridge overnight (a minimum of 30 minutes works, too!). 
6. When you're ready to dig in, grab your bowl and get creative! Dollop on coconut yogurt, add a handful of raspberries, sprinkle on banana slices, and don't forget the cacao nibs for an extra chocolatey crunch. Finish with a pinch of extra cinnamon for that warm, cozy touch.

Voila! You've got yourself a breakfast fit for a queen (or king). Feel free to customise it with your favourite toppings and flavours. Nuts, seeds, berries, whatever you love!

 Enjoy this delicious plant-based start to your morning, we hope you love it as much as we do!

Ellie