In a hazy blur of smiling volunteers in electric orange shirts and knee-buckling runners stumbling forward, I seized my finisher’s medal in one hand and my equally prized post-run snack bag in the other.

I decided last minute to compete in a local half marathon to tune up for my quickly approaching marathon.

I dozed my way through to an empty sidewalk to catch my breath and peruse my goodie bag.

Coupons to get my oil changed, a pen from an insurance agent, a speckled banana, and a granola bar. Ok, I’m exaggerating, but sometimes I have to wonder about who decides on the contents of those race packets.

There actually was an orange-cranberry flavored granola bar and I reluctantly dove in purely to avoid ‘hangry Gloria’ meeting up with my family later.

This bar. It tasted like breakfast. The sweet, the pop, the subtle spice.

It was everything I wanted and to think, I found it in a bag next to stale gum and pretzel sticks (sorry to whomever assembled these bag, I’m only kidding!).

Several days post race I started to forget about my sore legs, but, I assure you, I did not forget about that granola bar! I feverishly went off to recreate this magical flavor in one of my favorite breakfasts- overnight oats.

The basic formula of overnight oats consists of old fashioned rolled oats and milk. Left refrigerated overnight, the oats absorb the milk and soften to create a quick, filling, make ahead breakfast. It has been my life savor over the last few month of early morning workouts.

After a few attempts, I finally cinched that beautiful flavor I sought after. This recipe genuinely captures breakfast in a jar.

Orange Cranberry Overnight Oats

Ingredients
Yield: 1 serving
½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
¼ c plain Greek yogurt
½ c milk
2 tbsp. dried cranberries
zest of ½ an orange
½ orange, peeled & diced
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. maple syrup
½ tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
2 tbsp. walnuts, chopped

Instructions
1. Add all ingredients except walnuts into a jar and stir to combine.
2. Cover the jar and place in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Before serving, top with walnuts.

Nutrition Information

  • 367 calories
  • 51 g carbohydrates
  • 8 g fat
  • 15 g protein