Something to perk up your morning!

Today was a PD Day at school so there was none! Except I had to go in anyway for four hours to help out with preparation for Vancouver. So, you could say I need some pep this morning. And when I need pep in the morning I turn to chocolate as I did with the chocolate granola months ago. This time though I went hot...yup, that's right chocolate OATMEAL! More specifically mocha oatmeal with walnuts and chocolate chips. Trust me, it's health food...anything that makes you smile as much as I did this morning has got to be good for you!
I thought I'd share the recipe in case you were needing to brighten up your morning!

Mocha Oatmeal

~adapted from thekitchen.com~

Two notes about the recipe. First, I made the recipe with steel cut oats (which is an oat before it's squished flat, it's the oat that takes the longest to cook) but you can use Scottish oats or old fashioned oats, although cooking times may vary. Second, the recipe originally called for instant espresso powder, I didn't have any so I just substituted brewed coffee for 1/2 of water, or you could use instant coffee, or if you're not so crazy about caffeine in you oatmeal then just leave it out.

3 cups water

1 cup steel cut oats

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup brewed coffee or 2 teaspoons instant espresso

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

1 tablespoon sweetener (honey, maple syrup, sugar)

Chopped nuts (any ones that tickle your fancy)
Chocolate chips

Bring water to a boil.

Stir in oats, salt, coffee, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

While the oatmeal is simmering, toast nuts.

Remove from heat and stir in sweetener. Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with nuts and chips and drizzle with milk.

Enjoy!

Serves 2-4