I can thank my older brother for introducing me to a lot of things throughout my life that have made a big impact (R.E.M., Wes Anderson, storm chasing, and more authors than I can remember), but this one deserves a pretty big "thank you" as well. Call it what you will - oatmeal in a jar/ mason jar oatmeal/ overnight oatmeal - just call it delicious. And then call it ridiculously easy. Simply combine four ingredients in a jar, stick it in the fridge overnight, and wake up to perfectly creamy, chocolaty, hearty oatmeal. There's not even a need to heat it up it's so good cold. And the best part? You don't have to cook breakfast.

overnight oatmeal

ingredients (makes one serving)

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not quick cook! steel cut works here also, or a mixture of half rolled, half steel cut)

1/2 cup milk of your choice (i prefer almond for this recipe)

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)

method

1. Combine all ingredients in jelly jar, mason jar, or any other kind of container with a lid. Stir well. Store covered jars overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Wake up. Eat oatmeal.