Gingerbread is a quintessential holiday flavor that lends itself to a variety of applications both sweet and savory. Here we showcase it in a make-ahead breakfast that is crowned with warm caramelized pears and toasted nuts. The combination of warm and cold elevates this breakfast from a simple bowl of oatmeal into something a little special, fit for the holidays. Feel free to double or triple the recipe should you need to feed a larger crowd.
Getting warmer
Overnight oats are generally eaten cold; however, if you prefer your oatmeal warm, you can transform your overnight oats in a few simple steps. Place enough milk just to cover bottom of a saucepan and place over medium heat. Once liquid starts to simmer, add overnight oat mixture and reduce heat to low. Stir constantly until oat mixture is warmed through. Serve topped as desired.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 Tbsp hemp hearts
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tsp blackstrap molasses
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup divided
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or unsweetened oat milk plus extra to serve
- 2 pears thickly sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup yogurt of choice
- 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts chopped
- In medium bowl, with wooden spoon, stir together rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
- In medium bowl, whisk together molasses, vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, and milk. Pour over oat mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to overnight. Overnight oats may be made up to 2 days ahead.
- When ready to serve, make caramelized pears. In large frying pan, add pear slices and remaining 2 Tbsp maple syrup and bring to a hard simmer over medium-high heat. Let pears cook and caramelize while flipping pears occasionally, about 4 minutes total. Remove frying pan from heat and set aside.
- If desired, thin out overnight oats with additional milk to desired consistency. Divide among serving bowls and top with yogurt, caramelized pear slices, and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts.
Per serving: 313 calories; 10 g protein; 9 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 51 g total carbohydrates (26 g sugars, 8 g fiber); 94 mg sodium