Cocoa Hazelnut Overnight Oats with Sweet Cherries

Just over two weeks ago, I received word of my grandmother’s passing and not long after that, we were off on a plane to Hong Kong.  Having lived to reach 101 years old, my grandmother had a long and full life, and her memorial service was a celebration of that.  We spent ten days in Hong Kong, connecting with family I seldom see, and soaking in the culture of the bustling city.  After indulging ourselves with all the dim sum, noodles, roasted meats, and delectable pastries you could possibly imagine, we were ready again for simplicity and the comforts of home.

Before we left, overnight oats had been the staple of our summer mornings.  Usually with almond milk along with some fresh or roasted fruit, but once in a while this cocoa hazelnut version makes an appearance for an extra-special treat.  It starts with the smoothest, creamiest hazelnut milk flavored with raw cacao, a hint of vanilla, and lightly sweetened with dates.  There are many recipes for overnight oats circulating the internet, and most of those recipes incorporate a good deal of chia seeds.  Since the rest of my family has yet to get on board with the texture of chia, I add just a touch, and have found that this is enough to help thicken the oats.  In the morning after the oats have soaked, top with extra chopped hazelnuts, cacao nibs, and chopped sweet cherries.  It’s a beautiful way to begin the day.

In other news, I was recently featured in Zeit Magazine Online, a supplement of Germany’s biggest weekly newspaper.  I still have yet to use google translate to figure out all that’s written, but if you care to check out the article, you can find it here.  I also recently did a post for Spoonful Magazine on creating a make-your-own ice cream sandwich party.  It was so much fun to work on this one and you can see the post here.  It’s good to be back home again and I’m hoping to catch up on blogs, comments, and emails all this week.  Although unplanned, stepping back for a while was refreshing and renewing, and I’m gently easing back into routine.  Thanks for being patient and for following along.  xo

Cocoa Hazelnut Overnight Oats with Sweet Cherries

• Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chia seeds
• 2/3 cup cocoa hazelnut milk

For serving:

• pitted and chopped sweet cherries
• chopped hazelnuts
• cacao nibs

Instructions

1. In a small jar, combine oats and chia seeds. Pour hazelnut milk over the oat mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. In the morning, top with cherries, hazelnuts, and cocoa nibs.

Notes

I usually quadruple the recipe for multiple servings. Can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Cocoa Hazelnut Milk

Ingredients

• 1 cup hazelnuts, soaked at least 6 hours, drained, and rinsed again
• 3 1/2 cups warm water
• 3 medjool dates, pitted
• 2 1/2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (unsweetened cocoa works also)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Place hazelnuts, water, dates, cacao powder, and vanilla in a high-speed blender. Blend on high speed until milk is pale and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Place nut milk bag over a bowl and slowly pour milk into the bag. Gently squeeze the milk through the bag until you are left with a fairly dry pulp.
3. Transfer milk to a large jar or small pitcher. For easier pouring, transfer milk from the bowl back to the blender before pouring into a pitcher.

Notes

A nut milk bag is essential to achieving a smooth milk. I’ve been happy with this one. A fine mesh strainer will also work, but the milk will have more texture.