Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe

I had been reading so many things about overnight oats, but I just couldn't figure out what was so special.  I still don't know exactly if preparing them overnight, rather than in the morning, has any added nutritional benefits, but I can definitely tell you it's a time saver!  Also, then you have the option of eating your oats hot or cold!  This is great for people who don't eat oatmeal in the spring and summer because they can't eat hot oatmeal for breakfast (I know these people exist, because I am one of them).  But that is all figured out now, because the overnight oats can be eaten cold!!  For those who don't have any strange quirks like myself, feel free to heat up your overnight oats when you are ready to eat.

The recipe I have been making is an Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.  Of course you can just omit the applesauce and cinnamon if you would like regular oatmeal.  The recipe will be the same if you want to add your own ideas (blueberries, strawberries, pecans, almonds, etc)  Make it your own, have fun with it, eat what you like and be happy :)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Rolled Oats or Old Fashioned Oats (or 1/4 cup of steel cut oats)
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp flax meal (I grind my own flaxseeds using a coffee grinder)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp pure maple syrup
1 - 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup - 3/4 cup of milk (I use Almond milk because I love it, I also use only 1/2 cup because I like my oatmeal thick and creamy)

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and place in a container you can store in the fridge. Enjoy it in the morning!

I purchased twelve 8 ounce mason jars from Target for less than $10!  I make ahead 5 days worth of overnight oats, so that I can quickly grab my breakfast in the morning and take it with me to work.  I have placed a link here if you are interested in the mason jars, because I think they are fantastic, time saving and space saving!!  (I also own larger mason jars from Target that I fill with Salad ingredients for lunch!  But I'll share that another time lol)

http://www.target.com/p/ball-12ct-quilted-jelly-jars-8oz/-/A-13562672#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=masonm%20jars