Overnight Creamy Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

I used to make this pumpkin pie oatmeal in a single serving, daily.  It didn't take too long, but needless to say, mornings are always a rush, so I wanted an easier method.  Well, I found one, so here it is!  This recipe makes 4 generous servings, it could easily be doubled, or halved, depending on how many people you need to serve.

I use my Le Cruset cast iron pot for this.  A heavy-bottomed pot should work, but if you have a dutch oven like this, I suggest using it.

To start, place 4 cups of water into a large pot and add in two heaping 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. I know that two half tsp make a whole, but that is the measuring spoon I always use (i'm a creature of habit).  You can probably add just one heaping tsp of pumpkin pie spice -- feel free to adjust to suit your taste!  Then add in a large splash of vanilla.  I'm always generous with my vanilla and free-pour it -- I probably use about 1-2 tbsp or so.

Place the pot over high-heat and bring the spiced water to a boil.

Then add 1-1/3 cups of flat old-fashioned rolled oats (not the quick cooking kind).

Give it a stir, let it come back to a boil and then place the lid on the pot and turn off the heat.

Leave it turned off for about 3 hours or overnight.  I usually put it on before I go to bed, then turn off the heat and finish these next steps in the morning.  

The oats will have absorbed all the water and will be cool at room temperature.  If you have let them stand for three hours, they will still be warm -- you can still proceed to the next step.  You just want to ensure they have soaked up all the water.

Next place a carton of egg whites (500 g) and a small can of pumpkin (398 mL can; or 1-1/3 cups of pure pumpkin) into the cooled oats and mix well.

Place the pot back onto the stove and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the whites have cooked.  The colour will change to a nice light brown.

I then portion it out into one bowl and three containers!  I put the containers in the fridge.  To warm it up, I just put it into a bowl and microwave for 2.5 minutes.  You can add coconut sugar and nut milk, or milk to garnish.

It is so good.  SO GOOD!  I think I've been having this for breakfast almost every day for the last 6 months!