Most times I’m just a regular old fashioned oats girl with no frills. I used to make all kinds of combos but then I moved away from that and became more old school.  Or plain. However you want to label it. I found comfort in regular oats.

But some days we just need something fun. Some days we need a little pick-me-up.

Some days we just need some dang chocolate.

And on those days, I get a little sassy with my oats and make something super yummy.  Nothing too terribly fancy and I’m sure others have been doing this for a while but this is my take on a classic flavor combo.

Chocolate and coconut!

Andrea’s Chocolate Coconut Oats

• 1C Old Fashioned Oats
• 1.5C Plain Soymilk (or liquid of your choice)
• 1 Ripe banana
• 1TBSP Wheat Germ
• 1TBSP Ground Flax
• 1TBSP Coconut Butter
• 1TBSP Unsweetened Cocoa powder
• 2TBSP Dried Unsweetened Coconut
• Extra coconut and dark chocolate chips for garnish

In a small pot, add in the soymilk and the banana. Mash the banana around and then add in the cocoa and coconut butter.  Heat over medium-high heat until the soymilk just begins to bubble. Add in the oats and reduce heat to medium-low.  Also add in the ground flax, wheat germ, and dried coconut. Stir and allow to cook for about 5-7 minutes until the oats soften and the mixture starts to thicken up.  Remove from heat, spoon into bowls, and top with chocolate chips and coconut for garnish. Makes enough for two bowls of oats.

Everything before you hit the coconut butter, is how I make my typical morning oats just adding in a sprinkle of cinnamon for some flavor and warmth. Whenever I try and make a fancier bowl of oats, I start with the basic and build up from there. It makes things easier plus I know if the oats don’t turn out, it’s because of the new ingredients since nothing else is different.

This is a lovely bowl of oats when you want something a little different. It’s not too sweet and the chocolate isn’t overpowering. The flavor is subtle and you can appreciate taking a little trip down chocolate lane as you eat it.

Just because it’s chocolate doesn’t mean you can’t have it for breakfast!

Have fun guys, and remember, always play with your food! Enjoy!