Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal

These days, I’m in extra need of caffeine (see bringing home baby). It’s gotten to the point where sometimes I make coffee and forget to drink it. Lately I’ve found that sneaking some cocoa powder into my morning smoothie or bowl of oatmeal is a more efficient (not to mention delicious) way to get that much-needed boost. Plus, just the thought of chocolate is often enough to motivate me to get out of bed (although sometimes, baby and I just stay and play in the covers).

My favorite breakfast at the moment is chocolate oatmeal topped with sweet cherries and chia seeds. The combo of cocoa powder and cherries makes this rich in both flavor and antioxidants, while chia seeds add a slight crunch along with some fiber and good-for-you fat. Since the healthy kind of chocolate needs some sweetening, I like to top it all off with a little pure maple syrup. In addition to being a healthy start to the day, it’s also super easy to make—I can do it one-handed while holding my newborn.

Chocolate-Cherry Oatmeal
Serves 1

Ingredients
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup frozen sweet cherries, thawed and sliced
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons chia seeds
2 teaspoons maple syrup

Cook oats with almond milk in the microwave until thickened. Stir in cocoa powder. Add cherries and chia seeds, then top with maple syrup.