Re: Make ahead oatmeal smoothies.. that are freezeable.. I like fresh but sometimes

[Guest guest]

THANKS so much for sharing these ..I've gone to the web site and printed

all the recipes..getting ready to make almond milk then will try one of the

recipes for tomorrow.. B

[Guest guest]

I have to chuckle at the Oatmeal smoothie thing. Way before

Smoothies became popular, my husband made his start off to work

quicker by putting his coffee, oatmeal (he never did cook the stuff,

he likes it "raw"), milk, cinnamon, and sometimes fruit, into the

VitaMix and made a smoothie to drink on the drive to work (we have

had a VitaMix since 1978!!). These sound fun. Husband had to quit

doing it, because the VM made it digest faster, causing problems

with his insulin to carb ratio, but he did love doing it.

Velda

On 4/23/2012 2:58 PM, crenita2 wrote:

I like my fresh smoothies but

there are times the schedule is tight. nice to have another

option.

This was particularly nice

when I had some long term guests that I didnt' want messing

too much in the kitchen when I was out..They loved them so I

made a bunch up on the weekend and they were ready for them

when they wanted..( these were YOUNG people that were not

handy in the kitchen )

Make-Ahead Oatmeal Smoothies -- healthy

& delicious with grab-and-go convenience; 6 varieties, plus

how to invent your own

Posted by

Matheny

. In today's post, I'm sharing my 6 favorite flavor varieties

along with a formula you can follow for inventing your own

smoothie flavor combos. They're easy, can be stored in the

fridge for several days; and they can be frozen!

Breakfast before school or work, or on the way. ,

these smoothies are easy to grab for a quick breakfast on the go

to take along in the car, to work, or anywhere. Smoothies have

the added convenience of one-handed drinking--no spoon

required--so you can sip on them while you drive or walk. Carry

them in a thermos or thermal beverage cup, and they'll stay

chilled for hours. They're also very filling; have one for

breakfast and they will help you fight the hungries all morning.

If you have kids and have a hard time getting a healthy

breakfast in them before school, let them choose or create a

favorite flavor and help you make them ahead of time. Some of

these taste like dessert, yet they are so good for you. There is

a lot of hidden nutrition that is masked by the sweet flavor of

fruit.

Make ahead convenience. Freezable, too! This

may be my favorite feature of these smoothies. , you can make

these smoothies a day (or two or three) ahead, refrigerate them,

and have a healthy breakfast or snack ready to go. Better yet,

these freeze well, too. I've been making up a variety of flavors

at once, putting some in the fridge and some in the freezer.

LOVE having a smoothie ready to drink whenever I want one--no

time, hassle, or mess.

A complete meal in a glass. The combination

of oatmeal, chia seeds, yogurt, and fruit makes these well

rounded nutrition. Every smoothie will differ some in nutrition

according to the exact ingredients used. Here is the nutritional

breakdown for one 2-cup serving of my Strawberry Banana Oatmeal

Smoothie. The other 5 recipes should be in this ballpark, too.

286 calories, 4.8g fat, 53.8g carbs, 12.6g protein, 7g fiber

High in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium,

folate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, riboflavin, and

Vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D

Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6-8 points (I didn't get

consistent results using the WW calculator, but this gives you

a general idea)

I honestly can't drink a whole 2-cup serving at one time. I've

been drinking half of a smoothie for breakfast and having the

other half for a mid-morning snack. It keeps me full all

morning.

Chia seeds are power food (and a perfect smoothie

thickener).. In these smoothies, they have the added

benefit of serving as a thickener, since they absorb 10 times

their weight in water and become gel-like. Smoothies often use

ice cubes or frozen fruit to thicken them, but that means they

have to be eaten right away before their ingredients melt. Using

the chia seeds as a thickener allows these smoothies to be made

far in advance and still have a perfectly thickened consistency

whenever you drink one.

How to make 6 flavor

varieties of Oatmeal Smoothies

(or invent your own flavor combo)

I used the same procedure for making all 6 smoothies. I'll

share those specific recipes and give you my formula so you can

create your own if you like.

Step 1. Assemble these ingredients and

supplies.

Oats. I recommend old fashioned rolled oats

over instant or quick oats--they're less processed and better

for you. But, instant or quick oats will work, if that's what

you have on hand. Steel-cut oats aren't recommended for these

smoothies, because they don't blend and soften well.

Chia seeds. I bought mine at Whole Foods;

available on Amazon, click here. I used whole chia seeds

(they blend and soften perfectly in these smoothies); but you

can also buy ground chia seeds, if you prefer.

Yogurt. You can use any kind of yogurt

(including non-dairy yogurts). I prefer low-fat Greek yogurt

for it's creamy consistency and high protein; read my post for easy instructions for

straining regular yogurt to make Greek yogurt.

Milk. I used skim cow's milk, unsweetened

coconut milk, and unsweetened almond milk in these recipes.

You can substitute any type of milk you prefer.

Fruit juice. This is optional. You can use

all milk for the smoothie liquid, or a combination of milk and

juice. You'll see in my 6 recipes that I did it both ways.

Fruit juices can vary a lot in their flavor, nutrition and

sweetness.

Blender. They can vary in power and

effectiveness. The better blenders produce a smoother

consistency. A smoothie blender is particularly convenient, if

you have one. They come with multiple containers for

blending/storing/drinking. I bought mine on Amazon, click here.

Pint (2 cup) mason jars. You can use any 2

cup container, but mason jars are the perfect size for

storing, serving, and grab-and-go convenience. They stack and

store easily in the fridge and freezer.

Find pint mason jars at Walmart and grocery stores; available

on Amazon, click here.

Fruit. You can use fruit in any form. I

prefer fresh or frozen. Sometimes frozen fruit has better

flavor and nutrition, since it's picked and frozen at the peak

of ripeness. I used dried fruit in two recipes (cherries and

apricots). Delicious! If using dried fruit, use half as much

as fresh fruit, and add more liquid since the dried fruit

rehydrates and absorbs some liquid as it soaks.

Jams, preserves, spreads. These are

optional add-ins. They provide both flavor and sweetness. Read

the labels to find no or low-sugar options.

Fruit sauces, purees, and butters. These

can be substituted for fresh or frozen fruit, or used to

supplement the flavor. Applesauce is one of my favorites.

Sweet spices, extracts, flavors. Also

optional add-ins. My favorites: cocoa powder, cinnamon,

vanilla bean paste (or extract) and almond extract.

Sweeteners. Optional, depending on how

sweet you like your smoothies and the sweetness of other

ingredients. Some of the fruits and juices may add enough

sweetness without additional sweeteners. I like the flavor of

honey, maple syrup, and agave syrup in smoothies but there are

many options. Use whatever suits you. Even sugar isn't all

that evil in small quantities--only 15 calories per teaspoon.

I recommend first blending all of the other ingredients and

tasting the smoothie to see if it needs added sweetener.

Specific amounts of each ingredient are listed with the

recipes of each flavored smoothie; they are further down in

this post. Click on the big purple bar below each flavor and

that links to the recipe with detailed ingredients and

instructions. There's also a printable recipe of the general

formula to follow for creating your own flavor combinations.

Step 2. Add oats and chia seeds to blender

container. Blend on high until you have the consistency of a

flour. (It only takes a few seconds in my blender, but blender

power varies so much that I can't tell you exactly how long it

will take.) This helps the oats and chias blend into the

smoothie without a chucky texture. The finer your grind them,

the smoother your smoothie will be

Step 3. Add the liquids (milk/juice) to the

blender container. It helps to use a long spoon or spatula to

mix in the ground oats/chias from the bottom; otherwise they can

get stuck and blend in poorly.

Step 4. Add the yogurt, fruit, and any spices

or additional flavors.

Step 5. Blend until ingredients are pulverized

and smoothie has a consistency you like. I like mine with some

texture; but you can keep blending it until it's smooth if you

prefer it that way.

If you are using dried fruit, it may not blend as well as

fresh fruit. I like it with the texture of some bits of dried

fruit. If you want yours smoother,You can rehydrate the fruit

first by soaking it in juice, milk, or yogurt before making

the smoothie. Or, blend the smoothie again after it has it's

overnight fridge soak--the fruit will have softened and should

blend in better.

Step 6. Put the lid on the individual blender

jar container (if your blender has one) or transfer smoothie to

a 2 cup container. Refrigerate. Pint size mason jars are the

perfect serving size for a full recipe. If you prefer a smaller,

snack-size serving, half-pint mason jars work well. I like to use

white plastic jar lids sized to fit canning jars--they last

longer than the metal tops and rims that come with the jars,

and they are easier to screw on and off. (Available at

Walmart, grocery stores, & Amazon)

Click here for Amazon link to pint (2

cup) jars.

Click here for Amazon link to half-pint

(1 cup) jars.

Click here for Amazon link to white

plastic lids for mason jars (fits all regular mouth canning

jars).

Step 7. Put the jars or containers of

smoothies in the fridge overnight or a minimum of 4 hours. They

need this soak time so the oats, chias, & dried fruit (if

using) can soften and expand. This gives the smoothie a thicker

texture, too.

TO FREEZE

your smoothies, first put them in the fridge for their soak time

(minimum 4 hours); then transfer to the freezer. Frozen

smoothies can be moved to the fridge a day ahead so they can

gradually thaw for drinking the next day. Or, place them in a

bowl of cold water on the counter to thaw them the same day; it

will take 1-2 hours to thaw this way.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS.

Making smoothies is not an exact science. They can vary in

texture and consistency depending on the ingredients you use and

the power of your blender. Here are a few things to keep in

mind.

Thick or thin. Once your smoothie has had

its fridge soak time, you can check it to see if it's the

consistency you like and make adjustments. Fruits can have

different liquid content, and that can affect the consistency

of your smoothie. The recipes below give you a starting point

for ratios of liquids to the other ingredients. Hopefully they

will work for you the first time; however you may need to add

a little more liquid if yours turn out too thick, or add more

of the non-liquid ingredients if it's too thin. My recipes

that use dried fruits already have more liquid built in to

allow for the fruits absorbing liquid as they rehydrate.

However, even dried fruits can vary in their dryness; so again

you may need to do some adjusting.

Smooth or textured. These smoothies

shouldn't be compared to the ones you get at a frozen yogurt

counter. Whenever you're using whole grains and unprocessed

ingredients, you're unlikely to get that same level of smooth

creaminess. I think these recipes are delicious and wholesome

tasting, and I personally enjoy some texture so it feels more

like real food when I drink them. However, if you want yours

as smooth as possible, here are some tips:

Use a good blender. They can

vary widely in power and producing smooth results.

Blend the oats and chias to a powder-like flour consistency.

The finer their texture, the smoother your drink will be.

Don't use dried fruit. In my recipes that use dried fruit,

their are visible bits of fruit after blending--it simply

doesn't blend as finely as fresh fruit. I like it that way;

but if you don't, stick with fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.

Blend your smoothie a 2nd time after the fridge soak time.

All the ingredients will have softened by then, and it's

easier to blend them into a smooth consistency. The easiest

way to do this is to blend everything the first time, put the

covered blender container in the fridge for the soak time, and

return it to the blender for a second blending (adding more

liquid, if needed). This does add a step, but you can still do

most of the measuring, mixing and mess a day (or more) ahead.

Once you've figured out "your way" of making the perfect

oatmeal smoothie, you can make these regularly with ease.

King-Man and I are pretty hooked on them. Here are the recipes

that have worked for us.

Six flavor recipes for Oatmeal

Smoothies

(plus an invent-your-own recipe)

Apricot Orange Oatmeal

Smoothie

Made with dried apricots, orange juice, and unsweetened almond

milk.

View

Apricot Orange Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Apple, Peanut Butter,

Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with applesauce, cinnamon, and PB2 (or peanut butter).

What is PB2? I'm

a new fan of this amazing powdered peanut butter. It's simply

peanut butter with 85% of the fat removed. With all of the

flavor and protein of regular peanut butter, PB2 is

recommended as a great way to reduce calories in all of your

favorite peanut butter recipes. It's available at some Whole

Foods and health food stores, and on Amazon, click here.

View

Apple, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Cherry, Vanilla Bean

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with dried cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla bean paste

(or you can use vanilla extract). This one tastes like dessert,

and cherries are loaded with antioxidants!

What is vanilla

bean paste? This is a flavorful vanilla syrup that

contains vanilla beans. I often use it in baked goods and ice

cream in place of vanilla extract. It's a less expensive

alternative to whole vanilla beans. ( Click here to view on Amazon)

View

Cherry, Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Pineapple Coconut

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with pineapple and unsweetened coconut milk. Tastes like a

pina colada!

View

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe

Strawberry Banana

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with fresh strawberries, bananas and orange juice.

King-Man's favorite.

View

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Pomegranate Blueberry

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with pomegranate juice and frozen (or fresh) blueberries.

This is loaded with antioxidants.

View

Pomegranate Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

It's always hard to choose a favorite. I think I like the

cherry vanilla bean smoothie the best. Today anyway.

Invent-Your-Own

Smoothie!

Get creative and combine your own favorite ingredients for a

recipe you can call your own. It's fun and easy when you follow

my simple formula.

View

Invent-Your-Own Smoothie recipe

I love the convenience of having these in my fridge and

freezer.

Since you can make these ahead, they're great to serve guests

in the morning or take to a breakfast/brunch potluck. You can

jazz them up with toppings to help identify their flavor.

Hurray for food that looks as inviting as it tastes.

And, good for you, too!

I'd love for you to leave a comment and share your favorite

flavor combo. Choose from one of mine or invent your own. Do you

eat vegan? gluten free? lactose free? Please share your

adaptations. Your tips are helpful to me and the entire Yummy

community.

Make it a yummy day!

Check out these popular

overnight oatmeal recipes:

Overnight, Refrigerator, No-Cook Oatmeal in 6

Flavors

[Guest guest]

That's funny Velda, I used to pour coffee in my oatmeal to thin it down (if I made it too thick :-)

Blessings,Lea Ann SavageSatellite Beach, FL(321) 773-7088 (home)(321-961-9219 (cell)www.BlenderLady.com(AKA the Vitamix Lady :-)<))><

On Apr 24, 2012, at 3:13 AM, Velda wrote:

I have to chuckle at the Oatmeal smoothie thing. Way before

Smoothies became popular, my husband made his start off to work

quicker by putting his coffee, oatmeal (he never did cook the stuff,

he likes it "raw"), milk, cinnamon, and sometimes fruit, into the

VitaMix and made a smoothie to drink on the drive to work (we have

had a VitaMix since 1978!!). These sound fun. Husband had to quit

doing it, because the VM made it digest faster, causing problems

with his insulin to carb ratio, but he did love doing it.

Velda

On 4/23/2012 2:58 PM, crenita2 wrote:

I like my fresh smoothies but

there are times the schedule is tight. nice to have another

option.

This was particularly nice

when I had some long term guests that I didnt' want messing

too much in the kitchen when I was out..They loved them so I

made a bunch up on the weekend and they were ready for them

when they wanted..( these were YOUNG people that were not

handy in the kitchen )

Make-Ahead Oatmeal Smoothies -- healthy

& delicious with grab-and-go convenience; 6 varieties, plus

how to invent your own

Posted by

Matheny

. In today's post, I'm sharing my 6 favorite flavor varieties

along with a formula you can follow for inventing your own

smoothie flavor combos. They're easy, can be stored in the

fridge for several days; and they can be frozen! Breakfast before school or work, or on the way. ,

these smoothies are easy to grab for a quick breakfast on the go

to take along in the car, to work, or anywhere. Smoothies have

the added convenience of one-handed drinking--no spoon

required--so you can sip on them while you drive or walk. Carry

them in a thermos or thermal beverage cup, and they'll stay

chilled for hours. They're also very filling; have one for

breakfast and they will help you fight the hungries all morning.If you have kids and have a hard time getting a healthy

breakfast in them before school, let them choose or create a

favorite flavor and help you make them ahead of time. Some of

these taste like dessert, yet they are so good for you. There is

a lot of hidden nutrition that is masked by the sweet flavor of

fruit. Make ahead convenience. Freezable, too! This

may be my favorite feature of these smoothies. , you can make

these smoothies a day (or two or three) ahead, refrigerate them,

and have a healthy breakfast or snack ready to go. Better yet,

these freeze well, too. I've been making up a variety of flavors

at once, putting some in the fridge and some in the freezer.

LOVE having a smoothie ready to drink whenever I want one--no

time, hassle, or mess. A complete meal in a glass. The combination

of oatmeal, chia seeds, yogurt, and fruit makes these well

rounded nutrition. Every smoothie will differ some in nutrition

according to the exact ingredients used. Here is the nutritional

breakdown for one 2-cup serving of my Strawberry Banana Oatmeal

Smoothie. The other 5 recipes should be in this ballpark, too.

286 calories, 4.8g fat, 53.8g carbs, 12.6g protein, 7g fiber

High in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium,

folate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, riboflavin, and

Vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D

Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6-8 points (I didn't get

consistent results using the WW calculator, but this gives you

a general idea)

I honestly can't drink a whole 2-cup serving at one time. I've

been drinking half of a smoothie for breakfast and having the

other half for a mid-morning snack. It keeps me full all

morning.Chia seeds are power food (and a perfect smoothie

thickener).. In these smoothies, they have the added

benefit of serving as a thickener, since they absorb 10 times

their weight in water and become gel-like. Smoothies often use

ice cubes or frozen fruit to thicken them, but that means they

have to be eaten right away before their ingredients melt. Using

the chia seeds as a thickener allows these smoothies to be made

far in advance and still have a perfectly thickened consistency

whenever you drink one.How to make 6 flavor

varieties of Oatmeal Smoothies

(or invent your own flavor combo)I used the same procedure for making all 6 smoothies. I'll

share those specific recipes and give you my formula so you can

create your own if you like.Step 1. Assemble these ingredients and

supplies.

Oats. I recommend old fashioned rolled oats

over instant or quick oats--they're less processed and better

for you. But, instant or quick oats will work, if that's what

you have on hand. Steel-cut oats aren't recommended for these

smoothies, because they don't blend and soften well.

Chia seeds. I bought mine at Whole Foods;

available on Amazon, click here. I used whole chia seeds

(they blend and soften perfectly in these smoothies); but you

can also buy ground chia seeds, if you prefer.

Yogurt. You can use any kind of yogurt

(including non-dairy yogurts). I prefer low-fat Greek yogurt

for it's creamy consistency and high protein; read my post for easy instructions for

straining regular yogurt to make Greek yogurt.

Milk. I used skim cow's milk, unsweetened

coconut milk, and unsweetened almond milk in these recipes.

You can substitute any type of milk you prefer.

Fruit juice. This is optional. You can use

all milk for the smoothie liquid, or a combination of milk and

juice. You'll see in my 6 recipes that I did it both ways.

Fruit juices can vary a lot in their flavor, nutrition and

sweetness.

Blender. They can vary in power and

effectiveness. The better blenders produce a smoother

consistency. A smoothie blender is particularly convenient, if

you have one. They come with multiple containers for

blending/storing/drinking. I bought mine on Amazon, click here.

Pint (2 cup) mason jars. You can use any 2

cup container, but mason jars are the perfect size for

storing, serving, and grab-and-go convenience. They stack and

store easily in the fridge and freezer.

Find pint mason jars at Walmart and grocery stores; available

on Amazon, click here.

Fruit. You can use fruit in any form. I

prefer fresh or frozen. Sometimes frozen fruit has better

flavor and nutrition, since it's picked and frozen at the peak

of ripeness. I used dried fruit in two recipes (cherries and

apricots). Delicious! If using dried fruit, use half as much

as fresh fruit, and add more liquid since the dried fruit

rehydrates and absorbs some liquid as it soaks.

Jams, preserves, spreads. These are

optional add-ins. They provide both flavor and sweetness. Read

the labels to find no or low-sugar options.

Fruit sauces, purees, and butters. These

can be substituted for fresh or frozen fruit, or used to

supplement the flavor. Applesauce is one of my favorites.

Sweet spices, extracts, flavors. Also

optional add-ins. My favorites: cocoa powder, cinnamon,

vanilla bean paste (or extract) and almond extract.

Sweeteners. Optional, depending on how

sweet you like your smoothies and the sweetness of other

ingredients. Some of the fruits and juices may add enough

sweetness without additional sweeteners. I like the flavor of

honey, maple syrup, and agave syrup in smoothies but there are

many options. Use whatever suits you. Even sugar isn't all

that evil in small quantities--only 15 calories per teaspoon.

I recommend first blending all of the other ingredients and

tasting the smoothie to see if it needs added sweetener.

Specific amounts of each ingredient are listed with the

recipes of each flavored smoothie; they are further down in

this post. Click on the big purple bar below each flavor and

that links to the recipe with detailed ingredients and

instructions. There's also a printable recipe of the general

formula to follow for creating your own flavor combinations.Step 2. Add oats and chia seeds to blender

container. Blend on high until you have the consistency of a

flour. (It only takes a few seconds in my blender, but blender

power varies so much that I can't tell you exactly how long it

will take.) This helps the oats and chias blend into the

smoothie without a chucky texture. The finer your grind them,

the smoother your smoothie will be

Step 3. Add the liquids (milk/juice) to the

blender container. It helps to use a long spoon or spatula to

mix in the ground oats/chias from the bottom; otherwise they can

get stuck and blend in poorly.Step 4. Add the yogurt, fruit, and any spices

or additional flavors. Step 5. Blend until ingredients are pulverized

and smoothie has a consistency you like. I like mine with some

texture; but you can keep blending it until it's smooth if you

prefer it that way.

If you are using dried fruit, it may not blend as well as

fresh fruit. I like it with the texture of some bits of dried

fruit. If you want yours smoother,You can rehydrate the fruit

first by soaking it in juice, milk, or yogurt before making

the smoothie. Or, blend the smoothie again after it has it's

overnight fridge soak--the fruit will have softened and should

blend in better.

Step 6. Put the lid on the individual blender

jar container (if your blender has one) or transfer smoothie to

a 2 cup container. Refrigerate. Pint size mason jars are the

perfect serving size for a full recipe. If you prefer a smaller,

snack-size serving, half-pint mason jars work well. I like to use

white plastic jar lids sized to fit canning jars--they last

longer than the metal tops and rims that come with the jars,

and they are easier to screw on and off. (Available at

Walmart, grocery stores, & Amazon)

Click here for Amazon link to pint (2

cup) jars.

Click here for Amazon link to half-pint

(1 cup) jars.

Click here for Amazon link to white

plastic lids for mason jars (fits all regular mouth canning

jars).

Step 7. Put the jars or containers of

smoothies in the fridge overnight or a minimum of 4 hours. They

need this soak time so the oats, chias, & dried fruit (if

using) can soften and expand. This gives the smoothie a thicker

texture, too.TO FREEZE

your smoothies, first put them in the fridge for their soak time

(minimum 4 hours); then transfer to the freezer. Frozen

smoothies can be moved to the fridge a day ahead so they can

gradually thaw for drinking the next day. Or, place them in a

bowl of cold water on the counter to thaw them the same day; it

will take 1-2 hours to thaw this way.TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS.

Making smoothies is not an exact science. They can vary in

texture and consistency depending on the ingredients you use and

the power of your blender. Here are a few things to keep in

mind.

Thick or thin. Once your smoothie has had

its fridge soak time, you can check it to see if it's the

consistency you like and make adjustments. Fruits can have

different liquid content, and that can affect the consistency

of your smoothie. The recipes below give you a starting point

for ratios of liquids to the other ingredients. Hopefully they

will work for you the first time; however you may need to add

a little more liquid if yours turn out too thick, or add more

of the non-liquid ingredients if it's too thin. My recipes

that use dried fruits already have more liquid built in to

allow for the fruits absorbing liquid as they rehydrate.

However, even dried fruits can vary in their dryness; so again

you may need to do some adjusting.

Smooth or textured. These smoothies

shouldn't be compared to the ones you get at a frozen yogurt

counter. Whenever you're using whole grains and unprocessed

ingredients, you're unlikely to get that same level of smooth

creaminess. I think these recipes are delicious and wholesome

tasting, and I personally enjoy some texture so it feels more

like real food when I drink them. However, if you want yours

as smooth as possible, here are some tips:

Use a good blender. They can

vary widely in power and producing smooth results.

Blend the oats and chias to a powder-like flour consistency.

The finer their texture, the smoother your drink will be.

Don't use dried fruit. In my recipes that use dried fruit,

their are visible bits of fruit after blending--it simply

doesn't blend as finely as fresh fruit. I like it that way;

but if you don't, stick with fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.

Blend your smoothie a 2nd time after the fridge soak time.

All the ingredients will have softened by then, and it's

easier to blend them into a smooth consistency. The easiest

way to do this is to blend everything the first time, put the

covered blender container in the fridge for the soak time, and

return it to the blender for a second blending (adding more

liquid, if needed). This does add a step, but you can still do

most of the measuring, mixing and mess a day (or more) ahead.

Once you've figured out "your way" of making the perfect

oatmeal smoothie, you can make these regularly with ease.

King-Man and I are pretty hooked on them. Here are the recipes

that have worked for us.Six flavor recipes for Oatmeal

Smoothies

(plus an invent-your-own recipe)Apricot Orange Oatmeal

Smoothie

Made with dried apricots, orange juice, and unsweetened almond

milk. View

Apricot Orange Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Apple, Peanut Butter,

Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with applesauce, cinnamon, and PB2 (or peanut butter).

What is PB2? I'm

a new fan of this amazing powdered peanut butter. It's simply

peanut butter with 85% of the fat removed. With all of the

flavor and protein of regular peanut butter, PB2 is

recommended as a great way to reduce calories in all of your

favorite peanut butter recipes. It's available at some Whole

Foods and health food stores, and on Amazon, click here.

View

Apple, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie recipe Cherry, Vanilla Bean

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with dried cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla bean paste

(or you can use vanilla extract). This one tastes like dessert,

and cherries are loaded with antioxidants!

What is vanilla

bean paste? This is a flavorful vanilla syrup that

contains vanilla beans. I often use it in baked goods and ice

cream in place of vanilla extract. It's a less expensive

alternative to whole vanilla beans. ( Click here to view on Amazon)

View

Cherry, Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Smoothie recipe Pineapple Coconut

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with pineapple and unsweetened coconut milk. Tastes like a

pina colada! View

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe

Strawberry Banana

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with fresh strawberries, bananas and orange juice.

King-Man's favorite. View

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Pomegranate Blueberry

Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with pomegranate juice and frozen (or fresh) blueberries.

This is loaded with antioxidants. View

Pomegranate Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

It's always hard to choose a favorite. I think I like the

cherry vanilla bean smoothie the best. Today anyway. Invent-Your-Own

Smoothie!

Get creative and combine your own favorite ingredients for a

recipe you can call your own. It's fun and easy when you follow

my simple formula. View

Invent-Your-Own Smoothie recipe

I love the convenience of having these in my fridge and

freezer. Since you can make these ahead, they're great to serve guests

in the morning or take to a breakfast/brunch potluck. You can

jazz them up with toppings to help identify their flavor.Hurray for food that looks as inviting as it tastes.And, good for you, too! I'd love for you to leave a comment and share your favorite

flavor combo. Choose from one of mine or invent your own. Do you

eat vegan? gluten free? lactose free? Please share your

adaptations. Your tips are helpful to me and the entire Yummy

community. Make it a yummy day!Check out these popular

overnight oatmeal recipes:Overnight, Refrigerator, No-Cook Oatmeal in 6

Flavors

[Guest guest]

He thought it delicious and easy. I thought it weird. How things

change. Now it is a popular thing to do.

Velda

On 4/24/2012 1:58 AM, Lea Ann Savage wrote:

That's funny Velda, I used to pour coffee in my oatmeal to thin it

down (if I made it too thick :-)

Blessings,

Lea Ann Savage

Satellite Beach, FL

(321) 773-7088 (home)

(321-961-9219 (cell)

www.BlenderLady.com

(AKA the Vitamix Lady :-)

<))><

On Apr 24, 2012, at 3:13 AM, Velda wrote:

 

I have to chuckle at the Oatmeal smoothie thing. Way

before Smoothies became popular, my husband made his

start off to work quicker by putting his coffee, oatmeal

(he never did cook the stuff, he likes it "raw"), milk,

cinnamon, and sometimes fruit, into the VitaMix and made

a smoothie to drink on the drive to work (we have had a

VitaMix since 1978!!). These sound fun. Husband had to

quit doing it, because the VM made it digest faster,

causing problems with his insulin to carb ratio, but he

did love doing it.

Velda

On 4/23/2012 2:58 PM, crenita2 wrote:

I like my fresh

smoothies but there are times the schedule is tight.

nice to have another  option.

 This was

particularly nice when I had some long term guests

that I didnt' want messing too much in the kitchen

when I was out..They loved them so I made a bunch up

on the weekend and they were ready for them when

they wanted..( these were YOUNG people that were not

handy in the kitchen )

Make-Ahead Oatmeal Smoothies --

healthy & delicious with grab-and-go convenience;

6 varieties, plus how to invent your own

Posted by

Matheny

 . In today's post, I'm sharing my 6 favorite flavor

varieties along with a formula you can follow for

inventing your own smoothie flavor combos. They're

easy, can be stored in the fridge for several days;

and they can be frozen! 

Breakfast before school or work, or on the

way. , these smoothies are easy to grab

for a quick breakfast on the go to take along in the

car, to work, or anywhere. Smoothies have the added

convenience of one-handed drinking--no spoon

required--so you can sip on them while you drive or

walk. Carry them in a thermos or thermal beverage cup,

and they'll stay chilled for hours. They're also very

filling; have one for breakfast and they will help you

fight the hungries all morning.

If you have kids and have a hard time getting a

healthy breakfast in them before school, let them

choose or create a favorite flavor and help you make

them ahead of time. Some of these taste like dessert,

yet they are so good for you. There is a lot of hidden

nutrition that is masked by the sweet flavor of fruit.

 

Make ahead convenience. Freezable, too!

This may be my favorite feature of these smoothies. ,

you can make these smoothies a day (or two or three)

ahead, refrigerate them, and have a healthy breakfast

or snack ready to go. Better yet, these freeze well,

too. I've been making up a variety of flavors at once,

putting some in the fridge and some in the freezer.

LOVE having a smoothie ready to drink whenever I want

one--no time, hassle, or mess. 

A complete meal in a glass.  The

combination of oatmeal, chia seeds, yogurt, and fruit

makes these well rounded nutrition. Every smoothie

will differ some in nutrition according to the exact

ingredients used. Here is the nutritional breakdown

for one 2-cup serving of my Strawberry Banana Oatmeal

Smoothie. The other 5 recipes should be in this

ballpark, too.

286 calories, 4.8g fat, 53.8g carbs, 12.6g

protein, 7g fiber

High in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium,

calcium, folate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,

riboflavin, and Vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D

Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6-8 points (I didn't

get consistent results using the WW calculator, but

this gives you a general idea)

I honestly can't drink a whole 2-cup serving at one

time. I've been drinking half of a smoothie for

breakfast and having the other half for a mid-morning

snack. It keeps me full all morning.

Chia seeds are power food (and a perfect

smoothie thickener).. In these smoothies,

they have the added benefit of serving as a thickener,

since they absorb 10 times their weight in water and

become gel-like. Smoothies often use ice cubes or

frozen fruit to thicken them, but that means they have

to be eaten right away before their ingredients melt.

Using the chia seeds as a thickener allows these

smoothies to be made far in advance and still have a

perfectly thickened consistency whenever you drink

one.

How to make

6 flavor varieties of Oatmeal Smoothies

(or invent your own flavor combo)

I used the same procedure for making all 6 smoothies.

I'll share those specific recipes and give you my

formula so you can create your own if you like.

Step 1. Assemble these ingredients

and supplies.

Oats. I recommend old fashioned

rolled oats over instant or quick oats--they're less

processed and better for you. But, instant or quick

oats will work, if that's what you have on hand.

Steel-cut oats aren't recommended for these

smoothies, because they don't blend and soften well.

Chia seeds. I bought mine at

Whole Foods; available on Amazon, click here. I used whole chia

seeds (they blend and soften perfectly in these

smoothies); but you can also buy ground chia seeds,

if you prefer.

Yogurt. You can use any kind of

yogurt (including non-dairy yogurts). I prefer

low-fat Greek yogurt for it's creamy consistency and

high protein; read my post for easy instructions

for straining regular yogurt to make Greek yogurt.

Milk. I used skim cow's milk,

unsweetened coconut milk, and unsweetened almond

milk in these recipes. You can substitute any type

of milk you prefer.

Fruit juice. This is optional.

You can use all milk for the smoothie liquid, or a

combination of milk and juice. You'll see in my 6

recipes that I did it both ways. Fruit juices can

vary a lot in their flavor, nutrition and

sweetness. 

Blender. They can vary in power

and effectiveness. The better blenders produce a

smoother consistency. A smoothie blender is

particularly convenient, if you have one. They come

with multiple containers for

blending/storing/drinking. I bought mine on Amazon,

click here.

Pint (2 cup) mason jars. You can

use any 2 cup container, but mason jars are the

perfect size for storing, serving, and grab-and-go

convenience. They stack and store easily in the

fridge and freezer.

Find pint mason jars at Walmart and grocery stores;

available on Amazon, click here.

Fruit. You can use fruit in any

form. I prefer fresh or frozen. Sometimes frozen

fruit has better flavor and nutrition, since it's

picked and frozen at the peak of ripeness. I used

dried fruit in two recipes (cherries and apricots).

Delicious! If using dried fruit, use half as much as

fresh fruit, and add more liquid since the dried

fruit rehydrates and absorbs some liquid as it

soaks.

Jams, preserves, spreads. These

are optional add-ins. They provide both flavor and

sweetness. Read the labels to find no or low-sugar

options.

Fruit sauces, purees, and butters.

These can be substituted for fresh or frozen fruit,

or used to supplement the flavor. Applesauce is one

of my favorites.

Sweet spices, extracts, flavors.

Also optional add-ins. My favorites: cocoa powder,

cinnamon, vanilla bean paste (or extract) and almond

extract.

Sweeteners. Optional, depending

on how sweet you like your smoothies and the

sweetness of other ingredients. Some of the fruits

and juices may add enough sweetness without

additional sweeteners. I like the flavor of honey,

maple syrup, and agave syrup in smoothies but there

are many options. Use whatever suits you. Even sugar

isn't all that evil in small quantities--only 15

calories per teaspoon. I recommend first blending

all of the other ingredients and tasting the

smoothie to see if it needs added sweetener.

Specific amounts of each ingredient are listed

with the recipes of each flavored smoothie; they are

further down in this post. Click on the big purple

bar below each flavor and that links to the recipe

with detailed ingredients and instructions. There's

also a printable recipe of the general formula to

follow for creating your own flavor combinations.

Step 2. Add oats and chia seeds to

blender container. Blend on high until you have the

consistency of a  flour. (It only takes a few seconds

in my blender, but blender power varies so much that I

can't tell you exactly how long it will take.) This

helps the oats and chias blend into the smoothie

without a chucky texture. The finer your grind them,

the smoother your smoothie will be

Step 3. Add the liquids

(milk/juice) to the blender container. It helps to use

a long spoon or spatula to mix in the ground

oats/chias from the bottom; otherwise they can get

stuck and blend in poorly.

Step 4. Add the yogurt, fruit, and

any spices or additional flavors. 

Step 5. Blend until ingredients are

pulverized and smoothie has a consistency you like. I

like mine with some texture; but you can keep blending

it until it's smooth if you prefer it that way. 

If you are using dried fruit, it may not blend as

well as fresh fruit. I like it with the texture of

some bits of dried fruit.  If you want yours

smoother,You can rehydrate the fruit first by

soaking it in juice, milk, or yogurt before making

the smoothie. Or, blend the smoothie again after it

has it's overnight fridge soak--the fruit will have

softened and should blend in better. 

Step 6. Put the lid on the

individual blender jar container (if your blender has

one) or transfer smoothie to a 2 cup container.

Refrigerate. Pint size mason jars are the perfect

serving size for a full recipe. If you prefer a

smaller, snack-size serving, half-pint mason jars work

well. I like to use white plastic jar lids sized

to fit canning jars--they last longer than the metal

tops and rims that come with the jars, and they are

easier to screw on and off. (Available at Walmart,

grocery stores, & Amazon)

Click here for Amazon link to

pint (2 cup) jars.

Click here for Amazon link to

half-pint (1 cup) jars.

Click here for Amazon link to

white plastic lids for mason jars (fits all regular

mouth canning jars).

Step 7. Put the jars or containers

of smoothies in the fridge overnight or a minimum of 4

hours. They need this soak time so the oats, chias,

& dried fruit (if using) can soften and expand.

This gives the smoothie a thicker texture, too.

TO FREEZE

your smoothies, first put them in the fridge for their

soak time (minimum 4 hours); then transfer to the

freezer. Frozen smoothies can be moved to the fridge a

day ahead so they can gradually thaw for drinking the

next day. Or, place them in a bowl of cold water on

the counter to thaw them the same day; it will take

1-2 hours to thaw this way.

TROUBLESHOOTING

TIPS.  Making smoothies is not an

exact science. They can vary in texture and

consistency depending on the ingredients you use and

the power of your blender. Here are a few things to

keep in mind.

Thick or thin. Once your smoothie

has had its fridge soak time, you can check it to

see if it's the consistency you like and make

adjustments. Fruits can have different liquid

content, and that can affect the consistency of your

smoothie. The recipes below give you a starting

point for ratios of liquids to the other

ingredients. Hopefully they will work for you the

first time; however you may need to add a little

more liquid if yours turn out too thick, or add more

of the non-liquid ingredients if it's too thin. My

recipes that use dried fruits already have more

liquid built in to allow for the fruits absorbing

liquid as they rehydrate. However, even dried fruits

can vary in their dryness; so again you may need to

do some adjusting.

Smooth or textured. These

smoothies shouldn't be compared to the ones you get

at a frozen yogurt counter. Whenever you're using

whole grains and unprocessed ingredients, you're

unlikely to get that same level of smooth

creaminess. I think these recipes are delicious and

wholesome tasting, and I personally enjoy some

texture so it feels more like real food when I drink

them. However, if you want yours as smooth as

possible, here are some tips:

Use a good blender.

They can vary widely in power and producing smooth

results.

Blend the oats and chias to a powder-like flour

consistency. The finer their texture, the smoother

your drink will be.

Don't use dried fruit. In my recipes that use

dried fruit, their are visible bits of fruit after

blending--it simply doesn't blend as finely as fresh

fruit. I like it that way; but if you don't, stick

with fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.

Blend your smoothie a 2nd time after the fridge

soak time. All the ingredients will have softened by

then, and it's easier to blend them into a smooth

consistency. The easiest way to do this is to blend

everything the first time, put the covered blender

container in the fridge for the soak time, and

return it to the blender for a second blending

(adding more liquid, if needed). This does add a

step, but you can still do most of the measuring,

mixing and mess a day (or more) ahead.

Once you've figured out "your way" of making the

perfect oatmeal smoothie, you can make these regularly

with ease.  King-Man and I are pretty hooked on them.

Here are the recipes that have worked for us.

Six flavor recipes

for Oatmeal Smoothies

(plus an invent-your-own recipe)

Apricot

Orange Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with dried apricots, orange juice, and

unsweetened almond milk. 

  

View

Apricot Orange Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Apple,

Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with applesauce, cinnamon, and PB2 (or peanut

butter). 

What is

PB2? I'm a new fan of this amazing powdered

peanut butter. It's simply peanut butter with 85% of

the fat removed. With all of the flavor and protein

of regular peanut butter, PB2 is recommended as a

great way to reduce calories in all of your favorite

peanut butter recipes. It's available at some Whole

Foods and health food stores, and on Amazon, click here.

  

View

Apple, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie

recipe

 

Cherry,

Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with dried cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla

bean paste (or you can use vanilla extract). This one

tastes like dessert, and cherries are loaded with

antioxidants!

What is

vanilla bean paste?  This is a flavorful

vanilla syrup that contains vanilla beans. I often

use it in baked goods and ice cream in place of

vanilla extract. It's a less expensive alternative

to whole vanilla beans. ( Click here to view on Amazon)

  

View

Cherry, Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

 

Pineapple

Coconut Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with pineapple and unsweetened coconut milk.

Tastes like a pina colada!

  

View

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe

Strawberry

Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with fresh strawberries, bananas and orange

juice. King-Man's favorite.

  

View

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

Pomegranate

Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie

Made with pomegranate juice and frozen (or fresh)

blueberries. This is loaded with antioxidants. 

  

View

Pomegranate Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

It's always hard to choose a favorite. I think I like

the cherry vanilla bean smoothie the best. Today

anyway.

 

Invent-Your-Own

Smoothie!

Get creative and combine your own favorite ingredients

for a recipe you can call your own. It's fun and easy

when you follow my simple formula. 

View

Invent-Your-Own Smoothie recipe

I love the convenience of having these in my fridge

and freezer. 

Since you can make these ahead, they're great to

serve guests in the morning or take to a

breakfast/brunch potluck. You can jazz them up with

toppings to help identify their flavor.

Hurray for food that looks as inviting as it tastes.

And, good for you, too! 

I'd love for you to leave a comment and share your

favorite flavor combo. Choose from one of mine or

invent your own. Do you eat vegan? gluten free?

lactose free? Please share your adaptations. Your tips

are helpful to me and the entire Yummy community. 

Make it a yummy day!

Check out these

popular overnight oatmeal recipes:

Overnight, Refrigerator, No-Cook

Oatmeal in 6 Flavors

[Guest guest]

This combo of oats, milk, yogurt, chias & fruit sounds REALLY great! I'm going

to try this tomorrow. Fun! :-) Thank you!

Carol

>

> I like my fresh smoothies but there are times the schedule is tight.

> nice to have another option. This was particularly nice when I had some

> long term guests that I didnt' want messing too much in the kitchen when

> I was out..They loved them so I made a bunch up on the weekend and they

> were ready for them when they wanted..( these were YOUNG people that

> were not handy in the kitchen )

>

> Make-Ahead Oatmeal Smoothies -- healthy & delicious with grab-and-go

> convenience; 6 varieties, plus how to invent your own Posted by

> Matheny

> [Follow Me on Pinterest] <http://pinterest.com/monicalm/>

> [yummy_teaser_template_1]

>

> . In today's post, I'm sharing my 6 favorite flavor varieties along

> with a formula you can follow for inventing your own smoothie flavor

> combos. They're easy, can be stored in the fridge for several days; and

> they can be frozen!

>

> Breakfast before school or work, or on the way. , these smoothies are

> easy to grab for a quick breakfast on the go to take along in the car,

> to work, or anywhere. Smoothies have the added convenience of

> one-handed drinking--no spoon required--so you can sip on them while

> you drive or walk. Carry them in a thermos or thermal beverage cup, and

> they'll stay chilled for hours. They're also very filling; have one for

> breakfast and they will help you fight the hungries all morning.

>

> If you have kids and have a hard time getting a healthy breakfast in

> them before school, let them choose or create a favorite flavor and help

> you make them ahead of time. Some of these taste like dessert, yet they

> are so good for you. There is a lot of hidden nutrition that is masked

> by the sweet flavor of fruit.

>

>

>

> Make ahead convenience. Freezable, too! This may be my favorite feature

> of these smoothies. , you can make these smoothies a day (or two or

> three) ahead, refrigerate them, and have a healthy breakfast or snack

> ready to go. Better yet, these freeze well, too. I've been making up a

> variety of flavors at once, putting some in the fridge and some in the

> freezer. LOVE having a smoothie ready to drink whenever I want one--no

> time, hassle, or mess.

>

> A complete meal in a glass. The combination of oatmeal, chia seeds,

> yogurt, and fruit makes these well rounded nutrition. Every smoothie

> will differ some in nutrition according to the exact ingredients used.

> Here is the nutritional breakdown for one 2-cup serving of my

> Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie. The other 5 recipes should be in

> this ballpark, too.

>

> * 286 calories, 4.8g fat, 53.8g carbs, 12.6g protein, 7g fiber

> * High in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, folate,

> magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, riboflavin, and Vitamins A, B12, B6,

> C, D

> * Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6-8 points (I didn't get consistent

> results using the WW calculator, but this gives you a general idea)

>

> I honestly can't drink a whole 2-cup serving at one time. I've been

> drinking half of a smoothie for breakfast and having the other half for

> a mid-morning snack. It keeps me full all morning.

>

> Chia seeds are power food (and a perfect smoothie thickener).. In these

> smoothies, they have the added benefit of serving as a thickener, since

> they absorb 10 times their weight in water and become gel-like.

> Smoothies often use ice cubes or frozen fruit to thicken them, but that

> means they have to be eaten right away before their ingredients melt.

> Using the chia seeds as a thickener allows these smoothies to be made

> far in advance and still have a perfectly thickened consistency

> whenever you drink one.

>

> How to make 6 flavor varieties of Oatmeal Smoothies

> (or invent your own flavor combo)

>

> I used the same procedure for making all 6 smoothies. I'll share those

> specific recipes and give you my formula so you can create your own if

> you like.

>

> Step 1. Assemble these ingredients and supplies.

>

> * Oats. I recommend old fashioned rolled oats over instant or quick

> oats--they're less processed and better for you. But, instant or quick

> oats will work, if that's what you have on hand. Steel-cut oats aren't

> recommended for these smoothies, because they don't blend and soften

> well.

> * Chia seeds. I bought mine at Whole Foods; available on Amazon,

> click here

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CGTN1I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B001CGT\

> N1I> . I used whole chia seeds (they blend and soften perfectly in

> these smoothies); but you can also buy ground chia seeds, if you

> prefer.

> * Yogurt. You can use any kind of yogurt (including non-dairy

> yogurts). I prefer low-fat Greek yogurt for it's creamy consistency and

> high protein; read my post

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2011/08/222/How+to+Strain+Yogurt+%26+M\

> ake+Your+Own+Greek+Yogurt+--+an+easy%2C+healthy+substitute+for+sour+crea\

> m+and+cream+cheese> for easy instructions for straining regular yogurt

> to make Greek yogurt.

> * Milk. I used skim cow's milk, unsweetened coconut milk, and

> unsweetened almond milk in these recipes. You can substitute any type

> of milk you prefer.

> * Fruit juice. This is optional. You can use all milk for the

> smoothie liquid, or a combination of milk and juice. You'll see in my 6

> recipes that I did it both ways. Fruit juices can vary a lot in their

> flavor, nutrition and sweetness.

> * Blender. They can vary in power and effectiveness. The better

> blenders produce a smoother consistency. A smoothie blender is

> particularly convenient, if you have one. They come with multiple

> containers for blending/storing/drinking. I bought mine on Amazon, click

> here

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YLEXBO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B003YLE\

> XBO> .

> * Pint (2 cup) mason jars. You can use any 2 cup container, but

> mason jars are the perfect size for storing, serving, and grab-and-go

> convenience. They stack and store easily in the fridge and freezer.

> Find pint mason jars at Walmart and grocery stores; available on Amazon,

> click here.

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YVOS0Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B004YVO\

> S0Y>

>

> [collages9.jpg]

>

> * Fruit. You can use fruit in any form. I prefer fresh or frozen.

> Sometimes frozen fruit has better flavor and nutrition, since it's

> picked and frozen at the peak of ripeness. I used dried fruit in two

> recipes (cherries and apricots). Delicious! If using dried fruit, use

> half as much as fresh fruit, and add more liquid since the dried fruit

> rehydrates and absorbs some liquid as it soaks.

> * Jams, preserves, spreads. These are optional add-ins. They provide

> both flavor and sweetness. Read the labels to find no or low-sugar

> options.

> * Fruit sauces, purees, and butters. These can be substituted for

> fresh or frozen fruit, or used to supplement the flavor. Applesauce is

> one of my favorites.

> * Sweet spices, extracts, flavors. Also optional add-ins. My

> favorites: cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla bean paste (or extract) and

> almond extract.

> * Sweeteners. Optional, depending on how sweet you like your

> smoothies and the sweetness of other ingredients. Some of the fruits

> and juices may add enough sweetness without additional sweeteners. I

> like the flavor of honey, maple syrup, and agave syrup in smoothies but

> there are many options. Use whatever suits you. Even sugar isn't all

> that evil in small quantities--only 15 calories per teaspoon. I

> recommend first blending all of the other ingredients and tasting the

> smoothie to see if it needs added sweetener.

>

> Specific amounts of each ingredient are listed with the recipes of each

> flavored smoothie; they are further down in this post. Click on the big

> purple bar below each flavor and that links to the recipe with detailed

> ingredients and instructions. There's also a printable recipe of the

> general formula to follow for creating your own flavor combinations.

>

> [collages10.jpg]

>

> Step 2. Add oats and chia seeds to blender container. Blend on high

> until you have the consistency of a flour. (It only takes a few

> seconds in my blender, but blender power varies so much that I can't

> tell you exactly how long it will take.) This helps the oats and chias

> blend into the smoothie without a chucky texture. The finer your grind

> them, the smoother your smoothie will be

>

>

> Step 3. Add the liquids (milk/juice) to the blender container. It helps

> to use a long spoon or spatula to mix in the ground oats/chias from the

> bottom; otherwise they can get stuck and blend in poorly.

>

> Step 4. Add the yogurt, fruit, and any spices or additional flavors.

>

> [collages12.jpg]

>

> Step 5. Blend until ingredients are pulverized and smoothie has a

> consistency you like. I like mine with some texture; but you can keep

> blending it until it's smooth if you prefer it that way.

>

> * If you are using dried fruit, it may not blend as well as fresh

> fruit. I like it with the texture of some bits of dried fruit. If you

> want yours smoother,You can rehydrate the fruit first by soaking it in

> juice, milk, or yogurt before making the smoothie. Or, blend the

> smoothie again after it has it's overnight fridge soak--the fruit will

> have softened and should blend in better.

>

> Step 6. Put the lid on the individual blender jar container (if your

> blender has one) or transfer smoothie to a 2 cup container.

> Refrigerate. Pint size mason jars are the perfect serving size for a

> full recipe. If you prefer a smaller, snack-size serving, half-pint

> mason jars work well. I like to use white plastic jar lids sized to fit

> canning jars--they last longer than the metal tops and rims that come

> with the jars, and they are easier to screw on and off. (Available at

> Walmart, grocery stores, & Amazon)

>

> * Click here

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YVOS0Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B004YVO\

> S0Y> for Amazon link to pint (2 cup) jars.

> * Click here

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNW8Z6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B000LNW\

> 8Z6> for Amazon link to half-pint (1 cup) jars.

> * Click here

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASXI8C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B001ASX\

> I8C> for Amazon link to white plastic lids for mason jars (fits all

> regular mouth canning jars).

>

> [collages13.jpg]

>

> Step 7. Put the jars or containers of smoothies in the fridge overnight

> or a minimum of 4 hours. They need this soak time so the oats, chias, &

> dried fruit (if using) can soften and expand. This gives the smoothie a

> thicker texture, too.

>

> TO FREEZE your smoothies, first put them in the fridge for their soak

> time (minimum 4 hours); then transfer to the freezer. Frozen smoothies

> can be moved to the fridge a day ahead so they can gradually thaw for

> drinking the next day. Or, place them in a bowl of cold water on the

> counter to thaw them the same day; it will take 1-2 hours to thaw this

> way.

>

> TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS. Making smoothies is not an exact science. They

> can vary in texture and consistency depending on the ingredients you

> use and the power of your blender. Here are a few things to keep in

> mind.

>

> * Thick or thin. Once your smoothie has had its fridge soak time,

> you can check it to see if it's the consistency you like and make

> adjustments. Fruits can have different liquid content, and that can

> affect the consistency of your smoothie. The recipes below give you a

> starting point for ratios of liquids to the other ingredients.

> Hopefully they will work for you the first time; however you may need

> to add a little more liquid if yours turn out too thick, or add more of

> the non-liquid ingredients if it's too thin. My recipes that use dried

> fruits already have more liquid built in to allow for the fruits

> absorbing liquid as they rehydrate. However, even dried fruits can vary

> in their dryness; so again you may need to do some adjusting.

> * Smooth or textured. These smoothies shouldn't be compared to the

> ones you get at a frozen yogurt counter. Whenever you're using whole

> grains and unprocessed ingredients, you're unlikely to get that same

> level of smooth creaminess. I think these recipes are delicious and

> wholesome tasting, and I personally enjoy some texture so it feels more

> like real food when I drink them. However, if you want yours as smooth

> as possible, here are some tips:

>

> 1. Use a good blender. They can vary widely in power and producing

> smooth results.

> 2. Blend the oats and chias to a powder-like flour consistency. The

> finer their texture, the smoother your drink will be.

> 3. Don't use dried fruit. In my recipes that use dried fruit, their

> are visible bits of fruit after blending--it simply doesn't blend as

> finely as fresh fruit. I like it that way; but if you don't, stick with

> fresh, frozen, or canned fruit.

> 4. Blend your smoothie a 2nd time after the fridge soak time. All the

> ingredients will have softened by then, and it's easier to blend them

> into a smooth consistency. The easiest way to do this is to blend

> everything the first time, put the covered blender container in the

> fridge for the soak time, and return it to the blender for a second

> blending (adding more liquid, if needed). This does add a step, but you

> can still do most of the measuring, mixing and mess a day (or more)

> ahead.

>

> Once you've figured out " your way " of making the perfect oatmeal

> smoothie, you can make these regularly with ease. King-Man and I are

> pretty hooked on them. Here are the recipes that have worked for us.

>

> Six flavor recipes for Oatmeal Smoothies

> (plus an invent-your-own recipe)

>

> Apricot Orange Oatmeal Smoothie

> Made with dried apricots, orange juice, and unsweetened almond milk.

>

> [img_0395.jpg] [img_0479.jpg]

>

> View Apricot Orange Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/227/Apricot+Orange+Oatmeal+Smoothie\

> >

>

>

>

>

> Apple, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie

> Made with applesauce, cinnamon, and PB2 (or peanut butter).

>

> * What is PB2? I'm a new fan of this amazing powdered peanut butter.

> It's simply peanut butter with 85% of the fat removed. With all of the

> flavor and protein of regular peanut butter, PB2 is recommended as a

> great way to reduce calories in all of your favorite peanut butter

> recipes. It's available at some Whole Foods and health food stores, and

> on Amazon, click here.

> <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GJ9JWS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 & tag\

> =thyuli01-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=390957 & creativeASIN=B002GJ9\

> JWS>

>

> [img_0397.jpg] [img_0468.jpg]

>

> View Apple, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/232/Apple%2C+Peanut+Butter%2C+Cinna\

> mon+Oatmeal+Smoothie>

>

>

>

> Cherry, Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Smoothie

> Made with dried cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla bean paste (or you

> can use vanilla extract). This one tastes like dessert, and cherries

> are loaded with antioxidants!

>

> * What is vanilla bean paste? This is a flavorful vanilla syrup

> that contains vanilla beans. I often use it in baked goods and ice

> cream in place of vanilla extract. It's a less expensive alternative to

> whole vanilla beans. ( Click here

> <http://www.amazon.com/Nielsen-Massey-Madagascar-Bourbon-Vanilla/dp/B001\

> E204S6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8 & qid=1311075473 & sr=8-3> to view on Amazon)

>

> [img_0399.jpg] [img_0483.jpg]

>

> View Cherry, Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/228/Cherry%2C+Vanilla+Bean+Oatmeal+\

> Smoothie>

>

>

>

> Pineapple Coconut Oatmeal Smoothie

> Made with pineapple and unsweetened coconut milk. Tastes like a pina

> colada!

>

> [img_0401.jpg] [img_0476.jpg]

>

> View Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/231/Pineapple+Coconut+Milk+Smoothie\

> >

>

>

>

>

> Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

> Made with fresh strawberries, bananas and orange juice. King-Man's

> favorite.

>

> [img_0403.jpg] [img_0465.jpg]

>

> View Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/229/Strawberry+Banana+Oatmeal+Smoot\

> hie>

>

>

>

>

> Pomegranate Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie

> Made with pomegranate juice and frozen (or fresh) blueberries. This is

> loaded with antioxidants.

>

> [img_0405.jpg] [img_0473.jpg]

>

> View Pomegranate Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/230/Pomegranate+Blueberry+Oatmeal+S\

> moothie>

>

>

>

>

> It's always hard to choose a favorite. I think I like the cherry vanilla

> bean smoothie the best. Today anyway.

>

> [img_0486square.jpg]

>

>

>

> Invent-Your-Own Smoothie!

> Get creative and combine your own favorite ingredients for a recipe you

> can call your own. It's fun and easy when you follow my simple formula.

>

> View Invent-Your-Own Smoothie recipe

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/233/Oatmeal+Smootie+-+Invent-your-o\

> wn+flavor+formula>

>

>

>

>

> I love the convenience of having these in my fridge and freezer.

>

> [img_0520square.jpg]

>

> Since you can make these ahead, they're great to serve guests in the

> morning or take to a breakfast/brunch potluck. You can jazz them up with

> toppings to help identify their flavor.

>

> [PinterestIMG_0501square_.jpg]

>

> Hurray for food that looks as inviting as it tastes.

>

> [img_0511square.jpg]

>

> And, good for you, too!

>

> [img_0516square.jpg]

>

> I'd love for you to leave a comment and share your favorite flavor

> combo. Choose from one of mine or invent your own. Do you eat vegan?

> gluten free? lactose free? Please share your adaptations. Your tips are

> helpful to me and the entire Yummy community.

>

> Make it a yummy day!

>

> Check out these popular overnight oatmeal recipes:

>

> Overnight, Refrigerator, No-Cook Oatmeal in 6 Flavors

> <http://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2012/03/293/Overnight,+No-Cook+Refrige\

> rator+Oatmeal+--+A+healthy+breakfast+made+in+mason+jars+in+six+different\

> +flavors%21>

>

[Guest guest]

I prepared the Apple, PB2, cinnamon version last night and enjoyed it

for breakfast this morning. It was so delicious! I didn't have any

applesauce on hand, so I substituted a cored and peeled small Pink Lady

apple. I went to K-Mart this morning and bought a 12-pack of Ball jars

and plastic lids, lol! Don't know if I would enjoy the smoothie as much

after being frozen, but definitely great to have a few in the fridge for

a quick grab. Thank you once again for the original post! Happy

blending!

Carol