Strawberries and Coconut "Cream" Stovetop Oats

I think it is fun to try and turn a cream based recipe into a recipe that is lower fat and calories but tastes just as good! This is one of those recipes.

I wanted to do something with oats this morning and remembered there is a favorite flavor by Quaker Oats called: Strawberries and Cream. I thought to myself...I can totally remake this and make give it a healthier spin by maintaining that "full fat" feel.

So I went hunting through my pantry and fridge for inspiration. You will find going through my recipes that a lot of my recipes are based on what I have on hand. It is like I am constantly in an episode of Chopped...WHICH IS SO MUCH FUN! Maybe I should try out? Another thought for a later day (lol).

Anyway...I found in my fridge some leftover sweetened condensed coconut milk and shredded sweetened coconut in my pantry. That is when I thought to convert this Strawberries and "Cream" oats into Strawberries and Coconut "Cream" oats. Maybe Quaker Oats can look to me for their next flavor **wink wink**.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and please let me know your feedback! Let me know if you used a different milk or cooked the strawberries before adding to pull out the natural sugars. See?!!? I am already making new recipes...this is how mind works.

Recipe:

Serves: 2, (to serve 4, double recipe)

Ingredients:

1 cup oats

1 cup 1% milk + 2 tbsp (can be made with alternative milks like coconut milk!)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp sweetened condensed coconut milk (I used the brand: Let’s Do…Organic and got it at Whole Foods)

2 tsp maple syrup

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup diced strawberries (around 4 large strawberries)

Topping Ingredients:

shredded sweetened coconut

sliced strawberries

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, besides the 2 tbsp of milk, in a small pot and with the heat on high, bring the contents to a boil.

2. Put the top on and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 13 min.

3. At 13 min, add the 2 tbsp milk, stir, and cook for an additional 5 min on low.

4. Serve with sliced sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of sweetened shredded coconut!