Apricot Vanilla Tea Infused Oatmeal

I was never a fan of apricots, I was actually scared of them, but I am starting to love it! My friend, Tori, introduced me to an Apricot Vanilla Creme tea by Tazo. She first made it as a tea latte and I fell in love with it. The tea is hard to find and we can only find it at Wegmans, but so worth the drive to get it! I drink it with just water or milk sometimes, it is so good! I am now eating dried apricots, so I decided to combine both the tea and apricots together into an oatmeal. The tea provided so much flavor for the oatmeal! Mixing the dried apricots, almonds, and chia seeds provided a great combination, that added more flavor! Try this recipe out, I am sure you will not be disappointed!

Apricot Vanilla Tea Infused Oatmeal with Chia Seeds, Almonds, and Dried Apricots

Serving: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old fashion oats
• 1 + 3/4 cup water
• Apricot Vanilla Creme tea by Tazo
• 1 tsp chia seeds, save a few for the end
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any other milk)
• 2 tbsp sliced dried apricots
• 1 tbsp sliced almonds
  

Directions:

1. Boil water and add tea bag into the boiled water, lower heat to low. Steep tea for 3 minutes.
   
2. Add chia seeds, let soak for a min.
   
3. Add oatmeal and vanilla, stir together. Let cook for 3 minutes.
   
   
   
   
4. Add milk, mix, and let oatmeal cook for another 2-3 minutes. I like my oatmeal a little thick, so I let it cook a little longer.
   
5. Transfer to bowl and top with dried apricots, sliced almonds, and a pinch of chia seeds.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Enjoy with a cup of tea!

Nutritional Facts 

(from MyFitnessPal) for 1 serving:

254 cal, 6g fat, 66 mg sodium, 338 mg potassium, 43g carbs, 7g fiber, 6g sugar, 7g protein, 

8% Vit A, 18% Vit C, 9% Calcium, 17% Iron

*Fun Facts About Apricots*

(From www.califapricot.com, 2012)

-About 95% of the apricots we eat are grown in California

-Great source of Vitamin A for: healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

-Great source of Vitamin C for: helps absorb iron, supports collagen and bone strength, reduces inflammation, and supports immune health.

-Good source of potassium for: muscle contraction, fluid balance, and kidney function.

Good source of iron for: oxygen transportation in the blood, immune health, and energy level. 

-High in fiber for: digestive system, weight maintenance, and cardiovascular health.

-Eat them fresh, frozen, canned, pureed, or dried

-Spices to pair with: garlic, basil, nutmeg, tarragon, cumin, and curry

-Choose: firm, plump, and an orange color apricot.

-Store in the fridge to slow ripening or in a paper bag to ripen faster.

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