Oats on the Go

This past weekend Jacques and I traveled back east to Boston, the home of my Alma Mater, Emerson College! It was my first time back there in 10 years and Jacques' first time ever. We had such a blast - celebrating with our friends during their wedding, walking the Freedom Trail, taking a Duck Tour, eating our way through the vegan and vegan friendly restaurants in Cambridge, and catching up with old friends.

Whenever I travel, regardless if it is to a major city, or the middle of nowhere, I always prepare ahead for what I am going to eat while on the go. Since I have a restrictive diet, it's especially important for me to pack a few meals, particularly things I can easily eat on the plane. This time around, I packed a few Dr. McDougall's instant soups, Go Raw flax crackers to snack on, and I made an oatmeal pack to prepare Oats on the Go.

I love mixing my own oats much more than buying instant oatmeal packets in a box. The world of possibilities is open to me for what I want in my oats; and as a bonus, I make them solely with dried fruit for sweetener. NO ADDED SUGAR!  If you have access to a local co-op or Whole Foods that has a bulk section, check out the dried fruit that is available to you. The Santa Monica Co-Op carries everything from raisins and apples to pineapple and coconut to goji berries and mulberries, and so much more.  The flavor profiles available are endless, way more options than you can find from packaged oats.

If you don't have access to a bulk section, check your local grocery store for your favorite dreid fruits, but be cautious of fruits with added sugars.  One of my favorites is a good old classic cinnamon apple combination. This is the recipe I'm sharing today.

Oats on the Go - Cinnamon Apple 
Ingredients
2 Cups gluten free quick cooking oats
1/2 Cup dried apple slices, chopped small
2 medjool dates, chopped small
1/4 Cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 Tablespoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons chia seeds

Directions
1. Combine everything together in a portable bowl or jar. Close the lid and shake rigorously to evenly distribute fruit and cinnamon within the oats.

2. When ready to eat, measure out about 1/2 cup oats and transfer to a bowl or mug (or pre-measure and pack in individual containers in advance). Add about one cup hot water and stir well. Allow to sit for a few minutes until water is absorbed, stirring occasionally.

Alternately, combine oats and water, juice or non-dairy milk in a mug or jar and allow to rest in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy cold.

Enjoying my oats with this gorgeous view from our balcony in Cambridge, MA.