Recipe - Make-ahead Oatmeal Muffins

Okay, everyone, raise your hands. Who’s sporting a holiday feast-induced food baby? (I am, I am!)
 
Raise your hands again if you’re currently crossing your heart that you’ll make that gym membership count this year? (Me, me, me!)
 
I don’t know about you, but I work in an office, Monday through Friday, until at least 5 pm. When I get done with a long day of copywriting, the gym is one of the last places my body’s willing to go. Friends have suggested that I go during my lunch break, but that never seems like enough time, and I’d rather not feel rushed through my workout. Besides, when the heck am I supposed to eat? That leaves mornings.
 
… mornings …?
 
Groan. Surely, this is doable, right? I get up early anyway so I can have a leisurely breakfast and fancy Chemex coffee while I catch up on the news every morning. If I cut down on the “leisurely” part, I can totally get a workout in before I hit the office. That’s where these make-ahead breakfasts come in. They require a little planning, but they make the mornings so, so much easier.
 

Recipes adapted from Delish.
 
Make-ahead Oatmeal Muffins
 
Ingredients
 

• 1 c. steel-cut oats
• ½ c. raisins
• ¼ c. walnut pieces (optional)
• ¼ pumpkin seeds
• ½ c. ground flax seed
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ c. almond / soy / milk of choice
• ¼ c. almond / peanut / sunflower seed / nut butter of choice
• 1 small apple, chopped

The Nitty Gritty
 

1. Cover the oats with water and soak overnight in the fridge.
2. Preheat oven to 375°.
3. Drain oats and add to a large bowl with raisins, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, ½ tsp. cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and mix with milk and almond butter.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
6. In another bowl, toss apple and remaining cinnamon.
7. Divide the oat mixture among 12 medium sized muffin cups.
8. Top each muffin with an even amount of apple cinnamon mixture.
9. Bake 20 minutes, or until a tester fork comes out clean.

These delicious little devils pack a nice macronutrient punch to get you started right first thing. When I’m feeling super ambitious, I like to prep them and some homemade cold brew to ensure the most efficient morning. Best of all, they’re super portable, so you can save them for later or eat them on the go!
 
Brought to you by our resident copywriter and culinarian, Justine Kurtz