Cocoa Oatmeal with Dates Recipe
Description: Now that the word is out that chocolate is good for you (BUT only if not mixed with milk) why not have it for breakfast? This makes a nice change of pace from plain oatmeal. Karl did not think this was sweet enough, but when he sprinkled a little brown sugar over he was happy. Serve with ricemilk or soymilk to get the full advantage of those cocoa flavinoids.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 dates, finely chopped
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 pinches of salt
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions:
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Prepare Dates: Start by finely chopping the dates.
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Combine Ingredients: In a microwaveable bowl (about 1.2 liters in size), mix together the chopped dates, old fashioned oats, cocoa powder, and salt.
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Add Water: Stir in the water until all ingredients are well combined.
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Microwave: Microwave the mixture on medium heat, cooking for 3 or 4 minutes at a time, stirring between each interval.
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Check Consistency: Towards the end of cooking, reduce the cooking time to only a minute or two at a time, checking the consistency of the oatmeal.
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Final Touch: When all the water has been absorbed, and the oatmeal has reached a desired consistency, it is done.
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Serve: Serve the cocoa oatmeal with dates with soymilk or ricemilk, and optionally, add a little brown sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 284.9
- Fat Content: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 85.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 61.2g
- Fiber Content: 9.1g
- Sugar Content: 27g
- Protein Content: 8.6g
Recipe Notes:
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, seeds, or other dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- Microwave Tips: Be sure to keep an eye on the oatmeal while microwaving to prevent it from overflowing or drying out.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious breakfast option to start your day off right! 🍫🥣
