Ingredients

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 3 cups water
• pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• almond or soy milk
• optional toppings: maple syrup, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, mixed berries, coconut flakes

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine oats, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
2. Add vanilla extract. Partially cover and cook 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Remove from heat and add toppings to taste!

*alternate method #1: To shorten cooking time, soak oats in water overnight in the fridge. In the morning, they'll take only about 10 - 15 minutes to cook! 

**alternate method #2: I often let the oats simmer for about 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave covered on the stove for an hour while I go workout. When I get home, the water is absorbed and the oats are ready to eat! 

***The oatmeal will keep, covered in the fridge, for up to 4 days. Gently rewarm before serving, and stir in a little extra almond milk or water to loosen it up.