Hot Cocoa Oatmeal

I’ve been having fun creating new ways to fix oatmeal. Usually I don’t add any sugar to my oatmeal, but sometimes it’s nice to give yourself a treat, like this Hot Cocoa Oatmeal. While it does have sugar in it, it’s not very much. I like to use Coconut Palm Sugar, which has only 3 grams of sugar per teaspoon (I use Sweet Tree brand). It’s supposedly lower on the glycemic index and low in fructose (yay!). I mostly just like to use it because it’s a great all-natural sweetener.

If you would like this to be even lower in fructose (fructose-free, if you don’t add any marshmallows), you can use dextrose instead of the coconut palm sugar. I know some days I just need less fructose, so I choose to sweeten with dextrose instead.

Cocoa powder is a great antioxidant, so along with whole-grain oats and protein-rich milk, this is a powerhouse breakfast. For an extra-special treat for your kids (or for the kid in yourself), sprinkle a few marshmallows on top! This recipe multiplies easily and can be made in the microwave or on the stove top.

Hot Cocoa Oatmeal                                                   printer-friendly recipe
serves 1

Ingredients

1 cup milk (cow’s, soy, almond, etc.)
1/2 cup quick oats (gluten-free if desired)
pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons coconut palm sugar or other sweetener,
       such as dextrose
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
dash of vanilla extract
marshmallows, optional

Directions

Microwave: Combine the milk, oats and salt in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute. Stir. Heat on high an additional 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. When oatmeal is done, stir in the sugar, cocoa and vanilla. Top with marshmallows if desired.

Stove top: Combine the milk, sugar, cocoa, salt and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Stir in oats and cook for 1 minute. Serve and top with marshmallows if desired.