When I was a kid, you couldn’t have paid me to eat a bowl of oatmeal. There was absolutely nothing about it that appealed to me. I was a SnapCracklePop and Corn Chex kind of kid and that was that. My teenage work experience at a local nursing home, where gallons and gallons of oatmeal were served (and then often tossed) every day, did nothing to improve my regard for the stuff. Then, I started commuting to Boston every day to attend my dietetic internship. Being broke as well as short on time, it became my breakfast staple, managing to both warm and fill me up all at the same time so I could get through busy mornings at the hospital. I was hooked.
Flash forward twenty years to…now. You can find me whipping up a batch at least three times a week for my oatmeal-crazed family. We eat it for breakfast, after school, and sometimes as a post-karate snack before bed. I don’t mind supporting this particular habit as there isn’t a grain much more wholesome than oatmeal. It’s a little bowl of energy, full of carbohydrates, fiber, and even a decent amount of protein to balance things out, not to mention a good dose of nutrients like folate, thiamin, and manganese. Somehow knowing how good it is for me makes it taste that much better. Or, maybe it’s all the good stuff we put on top?
The oatmeal itself is just the beginning – a blank canvas on which we create our gastronomical masterpiece. There are countless toppings to be considered — raisins, dried blueberries, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, chocolate chips, Nutella, peanut butter, jelly, granola, bananas, apples, and cinnamon.
Take a look at some of our latest faves…
PB & J Oatmeal
Oatmeal with Raisins, Walnuts and Brown Sugar
Peanut butter Nutella Banana Oatmeal
The possibilities are endless and I am sure we’ve barely scratched the surface. What about my beloved bacon? Pears? White chocolate? Maple syrup? Coconut? The possibilities are deliciously endless. Butterscotch chips… Pudding… Cookie crumbles…
One last thing before I go…if you want to see what a true oatmeal obsession looks like, check out this gorgeous blog by Kath, who has devoted countless posts, words, recipes, and photographs to her favorite breakfast cereal. She truly pulls out all the stops!
What will you put on your oatmeal? 🙂
I have oatmeal every morning! My usual is to have it with dried cranberries, sliced almonds and a dash of maple syrup.
Ooh, that sounds good too. Thanks for stopping by!
I use quick cooking oats, which are just regular oats that are cut into smaller pieces, so that they cook more quickly. They are not salted or sweetened (compared to Instant oatmeal, which often is, as well as partially pre-cooked)
I feel the same way, I never ate it as a kid but I’m going through an oatmeal kick lately too!!! I only have blueberries in but I like your options better! I use the Quick Oats to stay healthier but that PB&J one looks amazing!!!
I am thinking you aren’t using instant (you agree those often have a ton of added sugar and junk, right?) so do you soak/cook yours overnight or isn’t there a shorter version? 30 minutes…i forget. We aren’t oatmeal eaters but you site and the one you recommended make it look delicious!
How appropriate that I’m reading this while making steel-cut oatmeal – thinking blueberries and honey this morning. 🙂
I have never tried steel-cut; on my list. Do you like them any better than instant?