Isaac and I just shared a bowl of morning oatmeal spiked with raisins and sunflower seeds, usually I add ground flax as well, but this morning I just forgot.
Isaac didn't complain,...he LIKES oatmeal!
Isaac also LIKES Costco where they have super cool toy house displays for him to play in while we pick up our Old Fashion oatmeal in 10 lb. packages for around $7.00.
THAT'S a lot of oatmeal for pennies on the dollar. The 10 lb. package lasts us about three months and we eat oatmeal EVERY day,...even sometimes twice a day,...because I'll pick oatmeal as a quick snack over anything else because it's quick, filling, and tastes soooo good!
Now the Old Fashion oatmeal, I purchase in not immediately Instant Oatmeal,....I have to toast the oatmeal and then shred in the food processor. I do five pounds at a time and it takes about 45 minutes from start to finish including clean up.
I've documented the recipe with photos and when I get time, I'll be adding them to a page, but the process just couldn't be any simpler.
The ONLY thing you can mess up is the toasting. I use a huge skillet on the stove, because I have never mastered the process in the oven and it you get even a little bit burnt on the edges it will give an off-burnt flavor to the entire batch.
We're not talking super toasty here,...we're just heating the oats to cook them and if you can achieve a VERY light tan than you are good to go. Takes about seven minutes, and for 5 lbs. I toast about three batches for the entire bag.
Cool the oats before you process them in a food process or even a blender would do, but that would take longer. I rough chop the oats and only process about 3/4 of the entire bag, the rest I leave whole just because I like the taste and texture when mixed with the processed blend.
You DON'T have to process the oats, you can leave them whole, but they will take longer to cook. OR, if you are making this for a baby or toddler you CAN finely process the entire batch.
After processing the oats, I may or may not add the following: wheat germ, oat bran, wheat bran or ground flax. Sometimes, I'll add these nutritional goodies to the whole batch and sometimes I add them as I make each bowl. Usually it comes down to time and what I have on hand for a large batch.
Helping out the environment a little, I usually repackage the majority of the oats in the bag they came in and store in the freezer. Smaller batches I keep in a glass canister in the fridge.
To make the oatmeal simply add oats and whatever mix-ins you want and heat hot water.
I use an electric kettle. It can't get any quicker than to hit the kettle button, walk away until it boils, and then pour the boiling water over the oats. Let the oats sit a sec to soak in the water and enjoy.
Best part of oatmeal is its chameleon-like abilities - your flavor combinations are only limited by your pantry and imagination.
My top ten favorites combination would have to be:
1. Dried Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
2. Toasted Almonds, Toasted Coconut, and Chocolate Chips
3. Dried Cherries and Almonds
4. Dried Blueberries with Pecans
5. Fresh Blackberries.
6. Fresh Peaches
7. Cooked Diced Apples and Pecans
8. Fresh Bananas, Fresh Cherries and Almonds
9. Chocolate Oatmeal made with dark chocolate cocoa with Pecans
10. Oatmeal topped with nut butters: Peanut Butter or Sunflower Seed Butter
Let's not even talk about adding Cool Whip or even Whip Cream to your oatmeal - it is insanely good,...unfortunately with my dairy intolerance both options are off the table for me,...but I have fond memories.
Until I post again,...may God bless and keep you!
