Use Your Nearly Empty Jam Jars To Make Easy Overnight Oats

When your jam supply is dwindling, you may find that the small amount at the bottom sticks around in your fridge for ages. It's not enough to go digging for it to spread on a piece of toast, and yet, it doesn't feel right to rinse it out and toss the jar. Rather than letting the jam spoil, use the leftover amount to make some overnight oats.

That small amount of fruit jam can make blackberry, orange marmalade, or strawberry overnight oats for breakfast the next day. Gather together some rolled oats, your preferred milk, and Greek yogurt for the base. When it comes to sweeteners and toppings, you can customize it based on whatever jam you have. While chia seeds, crushed almonds, and lemon juice are a healthy addition to blueberry jam, pistachios with ground cinnamon and ginger bring a spicy twist to apricot jam overnight oats.

Once you've picked everything out, put equal parts of milk and oatmeal into a bowl, followed by the rest of the ingredients, and give it a good stir. Pour everything into the jam jar and shake it around to incorporate the jam properly.

If overnight oats aren't your jam, your jelly leftovers can be used in a myriad of other recipes. A sweet, tangy jam vinaigrette can be eaten with an apple harvest salad or a summery strawberry and spinach salad. With about a spoonful of jam still left in the jar, you can add a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to the jar. Pour in a splash of vinegar and extra virgin olive oil and stir everything together. To thicken the vinaigrette, cover the jar and shake up the mixture.

The breakfast staple also makes a no-frills glaze for grilled meats. A tart cherry or blueberry jam pairs well with pork's natural sweetness. For beef, apple or peach jam makes the meat's savory taste stand out. To make a glaze, add some minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and unsalted butter to the jar. Add salt and pepper to taste, and cook it down so the butter melts, allowing you to swipe it onto your cooked meal and poultry.