I have a long week ahead, starting bright and early tomorrow morning teaching CXWORX before work. I’m already tired just thinking about everything I have to do.

I don’t like getting out of bed any earlier than necessary. But, I also know if I don’t start with a good breakfast, it will set off a chain reaction of unsatisfying, unhealthy eating all day, most likely punctuated by sugar highs and lows. Not good.

In anticipation of my busy week, I’m getting a head start. Laundry is done, gym bag is packed, and before I go to bed tonight, I’ll put a pot of this cereal on the stove. Steel-cut oats won’t get soggy, and quinoa adds extra protein. When the alarm clock rings, I’ll still be grumpy, but at least my stomach won’t be.

Hot Oat & Quinoa Cereal

Adapted from Bon Appetit

For every 2 servings:
3/8 cup dried fruit (I used tart cherries and golden raisins)
1/2 cup steel-cut oats (don’t use regular)
1/2 cup quinoa
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 cups water

Bring all ingredients to boil in a saucepan.

If you want to eat right now: Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grains are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

If you are making it the night before: Cover the mixture and let it sit overnight. Reheat, covered, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed, until warmed through, 5-8 minutes.

Serve your cereal with any of the following:
Milk
Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or other sweetener of your choice
Something crunchy: try walnuts, almonds, pepitas or other nuts or seeds, or some Trader Joe’s roasted coconut chips
Fresh fruit: grated apple, fresh peaches