Gingerbread is one of those seasonal flavours I can't get enough of, especially leading up to the holidays. It reminds me of my Mom's chewy ginger cookies (with white chocolate), or sipping on a steaming hot gingerbread latte on a cold day. Gingerbread is warm and cozy to me, and the perfect flavour to infuse into over-night slow-cooker oats - one of my favourite ways to cook oatmeal. There's something to be said about waking up to a ready-made wholesome and nutritious breakfast, not to mention the delicious aroma of gingerbread!
I'm happy to say that all three of my kids are big oatmeal fans - which is good news for them considering the fact that we have it almost every morning! And it's good news for me, because oats pack and punch in the nutrition department! They're are full of soluble fibre (the filling kind) which can help to sustain energy levels throughout the day (and keep tummies full!). They also contain nutrients that can help to boost immunity (something that we're all wanting to do around this time of year) as well as prevent many chronic diseases.
Here is an easy and delicious recipe that you can prep the night before and have ready and waiting for you in the morning, complete with holiday-inspired deliciousness:
Slowcooker Gingerbread Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
Serves 5-6
Ingredients
Directions
Spray or grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker the night before.
Combine all ingredients (accept for crystalized ginger and toppings) in slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add in crystalized ginger, stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until serving.
Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
For more nutritious and delicious recipe ideas (and lots of nutrition tips) for the whole family, follow me on Facebook where I post daily!
Six Healthy Kid-friendly Recipes
One of the easiest ways to raise adventurous, healthy eaters is to involve your kids in shopping, preparing, cooking, or serving meals. No bribing, coaxing or bartering needed — simply getting kids involved makes all the difference! When kids feel as though they have had a hand in making a meal, they are more likely to eat it. They also learn valuable lifelong skills such as how to be nutritious and mindful grocery shoppers, how to follow a recipe and measure out ingredients, and how to use kitchen utensils and appliances in a safe way.
One of the easiest ways to get your kids involved, is to serve meals "family-style," which means that you prepare the meal (with the help of your kids if you'd like), and then lay all the fixings and toppings out on the table for your kids to choose from when dinner is served! I find that one-pan meals (or slow-cooker meals) make the best family-style meals because they are often served with various toppings. Some other great family-style meal ideas are oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, pizza and tacos!
This One Pan Burrito Bowls recipe has become one of our favourites (and it literally takes me 20-25 minutes to throw together from start to finish). It's also cost-effective and nutritious! From one mom to another, I suggest that you add this meal to your dinner rotation now!
Ingredients
Toppings
In a large deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and red pepper. Add in ground beef and cook until browned. Add black beans, corn, canned tomatoes, salsa, quinoa or rice, taco seasoning and chili powder. Add chicken broth and bring to a light boil. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa or rice is tender.
Serve "family style" and let your kids choose their toppings and amounts!
*adapted from I Heart Naptime's One Pot Burrito Bowls
For more nutritious and easy recipes, plus lots of nutrition tips for parents, check out my Facebook page, where I post daily!
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