Overnight Café Chia-Oat Parfait

“Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”  Mother Teresa

This morning we awoke very early. Early enough to still see the moon shining in its glory and catch the colors of the sky, pre-sunrise, then watch the sun rise. It was very chilly but worth it to catch a glimpse before the daily buzz of the world began. The loudest sound was the chitter chatter of the birds.

We started our day with an overnight chia-oat parfait! Overnight oats with chia seeds, infused with vanilla, cinnamon and instant coffee then layered with nuts, fresh fruit and coconut flakes. Yum! The layered effect takes on a parfait like experience with new flavors to explore with each bite. If coffee isn't your thing, pass and it will still be heavenly! I started without it and added it on a whim. At first I thought it was in error but after soaking overnight and infusing the flavors I was happily surprised with each bite in the morning. With hues of red, white and blue you can feel the happy plant-based vibes! Have a great day! 

Overnight Café Chia-Oats:
1 1/2 Cup Plant Based Milk (Cashew or Almond are great)
3/4 Cup Oats
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
3/4 tsp Instant Coffee
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract 
2 Tbsp Agave (or favorite)
Pinch Sea Salt

Layer with:
1 Cup Banana Slices
1/2 Cup Cashews
Opt: 1/4 Cup Raspberries and 1/8 Cup Blueberries
Opt: 1 Tbsp Coconut Flakes

Peaceful Preparation:

1. ​Mix the Overnight Café Chia-Oat ingredients together in a container with a lid such as a mason jar or Tupperware in the evening. Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, remove from the fridge and stir. Taste and adjust if needed.
2. In two of your favorite dishes layer the chia-oat mixture, 1/4 cup of cashews, 1/2 cup of bananas, add more of the chia-oat mixture followed by the balance of cashews and banana slices. Pour the remaining chia-oat mixture on top. Enjoy as is or make it extra beautiful with a sprinkle of blueberries, raspberries and coconut flakes. 

Good points

• No cholesterol
• Low in sodium
• High in manganese

Notes: 

• Use a Certified Gluten-Free variety of oats for gluten-free.
• Use your favorite nut.
  
• Use granola if allergic to nuts. 
• Pass on the coffee. 
• Add chocolate! (Sauce, bar, chips, cacao nibs, powder)
• For less sugar use stevia, less agave or pass altogether. You could sweeten naturally with mashed banana.