Egg Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free Cocoa Instant Oatmeal

Jazlyn and I have been on an oatmeal kick lately for breakfast. One morning I was also craving chocolate so I decided to try to make my breakfast taste like our No Bake Chocolate Oat Clusters. Mission accomplished. This oatmeal is hearty and chocolately. If you would like your oatmeal sweeter, feel free to add a little more sugar. Our favorite way to serve this oatmeal is topped with a sliced banana.

Cocoa Instant Oatmeal

1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup soy milk or additional water
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Thoroughly combine all of the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes.
* If you double the ingredients, microwave for 3 minutes.
* Wonderful topped with chopped strawberries or bananas.

Egg Free, Dairy Free and Nut Free Hot Chocolate Mix

I haven't been able to find a prepackaged safe hot chocolate. Jazlyn has been drinking warmed soy milk with chocolate syrup stirred in. It's still chocolate and warm, but not the same. I have a recipe for a hot chocolate that needs cooked on the stove, but I wanted something that was fast and easy to prepare any time. This is perfect because you make a big batch with just 3 ingredients then it's available when you want it.

Hot Chocolate Mix

3 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups cocoa powder
3 tsp salt

Thoroughly combined all of the ingredients then store in a tightly sealed container.

To serve - stir 2 tbsp of the mixture into 1 cup of hot soy milk.
*  For variety, you can stir in a few drops of vanilla, mint or other extracts. You can also top with mini marshmallows or prepared safe whipped topping.