KITCHEN CURATIONS: STRAWBERRIES N CREAM MORNING OATS

While I don’t like to choose favorites, (because, let's face it, I love all food!) breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day. I’ve always made time for breakfast -- even in high school when I was commuting at 6:30 in the morning, even when I have to catch a ridiculously early flight, even when I have the craziest day ahead.

Let’s just say that when I go to sleep, I’m often contemplating what I’m going to wake up and eat. You may or may not call it an obsession.

It’s not just that I love breakfast foods, it’s that breakfast is what fuels me for my day. If I miss it, I spend the rest of the day ravenous and never fully satisfied.

This is why I was super excited when I started making my oatmeal with egg whites. For me, oatmeal was always a top 5 breakfast food, but my biggest issue with it was that I knew it wasn’t giving me the protein that I really needed. Then, I started adding in egg whites, and everything changed! It was magical! Not only do the egg whites add 7 grams of protein to my breakfast, but they also make the oats SO creamy! It’s a total win-win!

This version is inspired by the Strawberries N Cream sugary oatmeal I used to have as a kid. It was my favorite flavor because I loved getting the chunks of cooked strawberry in every bite. I may be biased, but I’m pretty sure this rendition is even better. The bonus? Mine has no added sugar, no refined carbs, lots of fiber and a healthy dose of protein to help you start your day! :)

INGREDIENTS: (1 serving)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup steel-cut oats
• 3 medium strawberries, sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup egg whites or 2 egg whites
• 1 tsp maca powder
• 1 tsp coconut flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a covered pot, bring almond milk to a boil.
2. Add in oats, reduce to simmer, and let oats cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.
3. After about 7 minutes, add strawberries. Continue to stir occasionally.
4. In the meantime, whisk egg whites, maca, coconut flour, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
5. When another 7 minutes have passed, or when most of the milk has been absorbed and the oats are tender, turn flame to low and add in egg white mixture very slowly, stirring oats the entire time. This will keep the egg whites from coagulating in clumps and will distribute them evenly to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
6. Continue pouring and stirring until all of the egg white mixture has been mixed into the oats.
7. Pour oat mixture into a bowl and top with anything you’d like! I like to top mine with fresh strawberries and coconut, but hemp seeds, nuts, and cacao nibs are also great additions!