Chocolate Lover's Oatmeal

This recipe is dedicated to my chocolate loving best friend, Traci. I have countless fun memories of Traci and I going to chocolate shops in college together, sharing chocolate desserts at the Walnut room, drinking sipping chocolate on our yearly reunions and making chocolate desserts in our college apartment kitchen.  When we were in Portland together this fall, I was wandering around alone  and I found THE BEST chocolate shop. It was wall to wall chocolate!! I wanted to create this recipe for Traci to eat for breakfast during her birthday week. I wish we didn't live so far way so I could make this for her on her on her birthday morning, just like the good old days when we lived together. (Happy Birthday Traci!) I hope you all enjoy this super easy Chocolate Lover's Oatmeal! 

Ingredients

1 Tbsp cocoa powder
½ cup steel cut oats
2 + 1/4 cups of unsweetened non dairy milk 
½ tsp vanilla
2 tsp maple syrup (or to taste)
1 small square of dark chocolate (optional, but amazing)

Directions (makes two servings)

1. Combine milk, and steel cut oats in a medium saucepan on medium heat. 
2. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until fully incorporated. 
3. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, stirring every few minutes, for 20-25 minutes or until oats are tender. 
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla, maple syrup and one dark chocolate square. 
5. Watch the chocolate melt and enjoy!!!