Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

It seems only fitting that my first recipe post should be for breakfast, my favorite meal of the day. Normally I am very, very boring when it comes to breakfast. With a few exceptions, I have eaten one of two meals (oatmeal or eggs) every morning for the last couple of years, and, recently, it has been oatmeal every single day. I love my warm bowl every morning with cinnamon, maple syrup, and raisins. But recently it occurred to me that there must be some way to dress up my morning routine for some occasional variety. Enter Saturday morning Chocolate Chip Oatmeal. Oh my goodness, delicious! Even my husband, who is not normally a big fan of oatmeal, loves this recipe! It reminds me of those no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies that my family made every Christmas, but in breakfast form. Prepare to be delighted!

Ingredients (single-serving)

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• Maple syrup or brown sugar to taste
• Chocolate chips for garnish
• Optional additions – peanut butter, sliced banana, craisins, or whatever sounds tasty!

Directions:

• Bring lightly-salted water to a boil
• Add oats, stir, and reduce heat to medium
• Cook uncovered for 5 minutes or until desired consistency
• Stir in cocoa powder and sweetener
• Transfer to a bowl and add chocolate chips and any other additions on top
• Enjoy your chocolatey breakfast treat!