Good morning, friends, and welcome back to Greatful Moments! As we move into a new week it looks like we survived Day One of our 13 Days to the First Day of School Breakfast Countdown. I’m glad your here this morning as we continue our journey with another breakfast idea that can help make busy mornings a little easier.

Today’s recipe is a little different for our family because it is something new I’m going to have David, Charlie and I try together. I have to be honest with you — my family has never been big fruit eaters, and overnight oats are not something we’ve made before. In fact, I have never personally tried overnight oats, and neither have David or Charlie.

So this is not a recipe where I can tell you, “This is a family favorite we have made for years.” Instead, this is a chance for us to try something new together. And honestly, that is one of the things I love about cooking and sharing recipes with you here at Greatful Moments. Because I am able to share new recipes with you that will work for my diet.

Sometimes the best memories are not made when everything is familiar. Sometimes they happen when we gather around the table and say, “Let’s try something different.” As families prepare for a new school year, mornings can become busy very quickly. There are lunches to pack, backpacks to find, schedules to remember, and everyone trying to get out the door on time.

That is why I thought Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats would be a fun recipe to include in our countdown. The idea behind overnight oats is simple: you prepare them ahead of time, place them in the refrigerator overnight, and in the morning you have breakfast ready to enjoy. No rushing around. No trying to decide what to make. Just grab your breakfast and start your day.

I also love that this recipe can be adjusted to fit your family. If you enjoy nuts, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans or any nuts you like for extra flavor and texture. If your family has a nut allergy or prefers a nut-free breakfast, simply leave them out. That is the beauty of recipes like this — you can make them your own.

And who knows? Maybe this will become a new favorite in our home. Maybe David and Charlie will enjoy it more than we expect. Or maybe we will discover that trying something new together was the best part. Either way, were making another Greatful Moment that I am grateful, thankful and blessed the LORD gave us a new day to try a new recipe.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Kitchen Tools I Used

To make overnight oats, you only need a few simple kitchen tools:

• Mason jars or small food storage containers with lids
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for stirring
• Refrigerator storage space

These simple tools make preparing breakfast ahead of time easy, especially during busy school mornings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice
• 1/4 cup yogurt (optional for a creamier texture)
• 1/2 apple, diced small
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Add oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, and vanilla to a jar or container.

Stir until combined.

Add diced apples and gently mix.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.

In the morning, stir and add your favorite toppings before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare several jars at once so you have breakfast ready for multiple mornings.

Overnight oats can usually be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making them a helpful option for busy school weeks.

Memory Maker of the Day

Invite your family to help create their own overnight oats.

Set out toppings and let everyone choose their favorite combination.

Sometimes breakfast becomes more memorable when everyone gets to be part of making it.

Join Me Tomorrow for Day Three

I hope you will come back tomorrow as we continue our 13 Days to the First Day of School Breakfast Countdown. Tomorrow we will be sharing: Day 3: Freezer Breakfast Burritos — A Helping Hand on Busy Mornings This is a recipe I know David and Charlie will want to make to take to work with them.

I hope you will join me as we continue trying new recipes, creating family traditions, and making Greatful Moments together.

A Morning Prayer for Our School Year

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this new day and for the blessings You have given us.

As we prepare for a new school year, please watch over our children, their teachers, and their schools.

Help us be kind, patient, and thankful. Give us courage when things feel difficult, wisdom when we need to make choices, and loving hearts toward those around us.

Help us remember that You are always with us wherever we go.

Thank You for our families, our friends, and the little moments that make life special.

Amen.

Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates