Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal

Valentine’s Day is coming up. I was contacted recently by the Brilliant Earth Create a Little Love Campaign to join them in…well…creating a little love. 🙂 Brilliant Earth specializes in “honest, ethical” jewelry. It’s a perfect option for those of you who are looking into an upcoming engagement (while I simultaneously binge on peanut butter and Buzzfeed quizzes, of course). When I first thought about making a V-Day themed recipe, I had a moment of anxiety. How would I write a post about Valentine’s Day? Oh, the horror!

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal

Those who know me personally know that Valentine’s Day is my least favorite holiday. I don’t feel like getting into the reasons now, but I’ve always loathed it. In high school, people criticized me for being a cynic and a “hater of love,” and–to prove that they were wrong–I began celebrating my own holiday: Hug’s Day. When people wished me a “Happy Valentine’s Day!”, I would respond, “Happy Hug’s Day!” I gave out “Happy Hug’s Day!” cards and celebrated “Happy Hug’s Day!” with my boyfriend at the time. Sadly, it didn’t catch on.

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal by the Oatmeal Artist

I may despise Valetine’s Day in practice, but I do appreciate the concept of Valentine’s Day, which is why I chose to celebrate it in my own special way. I love the idea of taking the time to celebrate all the loved ones in my life. I dislike how Valentine’s Day is so focused on romantic partners, which makes the whole day sickening, stressful, and isolating. But telling your friends you love them and giving them a hug? Beautiful.

Hence, this oatmeal recipe represents what I appreciate about Valentine’s Day: hugs and (sometimes) kisses for the loved ones in my life! If you couldn’t tell from my made-up holiday, I’m a hugger; I love a good hug.

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal by the Oatmeal Artist #vegan

To celebrate Hug’s Day this week, I created this Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal. I had the idea for simply a White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal, but it just sounded so terribly unhealthy. 🙂 By adding strawberries, it became not only healthier, but also more flavorful. The recipe calls for 1-3 tablespoons of white chocolate chips. For a touch of white chocolate flavor, one is enough, but for more intensity, go for two or three tablespoons.

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Yield: serves 1

What you'll need:

  • 3/4 cup milk of choice, or water
  • 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats
  • 5 strawberries, hulled
  • 1-3 tbsp white chocolate chips (I used King David, which is vegan)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

How to make it:

  1. Bring milk (I actually used all water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you'd like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries, chocolate chips, and a splash of milk or water. Blend until mostly smooth (the chocolate chips will probably remain in little pebble sizes).
  3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add strawberry mixture, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir.
  4. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Add a splash of your milk of choice and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).
https://www.theoatmealartist.com/strawberry-white-hot-chocolate-oatmeal/

Strawberry White Hot Chocolate Oatmeal #oatmealartist #vegan

About Lauren Smith

Lauren is a herbivore, Slytherin, and connoisseur of oats. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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