Oatmeal or Other Creamy Breakfast Cereal

This recipe is a quick and versatile way to prepare a delicious and creamy oatmeal. It can also be adapted to cook other rolled or flaked grains such as wheat, rye, quinoa, millet, kamut, or brown rice flakes. By using the old-fashioned style of oats, you’ll achieve a superior flavor and texture compared to quick-cooking or instant oats. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a warm and satisfying breakfast or snack that can be customized to your liking.

MAKES: 2 servings

TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• Dash salt
• 1 cup rolled oats or other rolled or flaked grain
• Butter to taste (optional)
• Salt, sweetener (like maple syrup, sugar, or honey), and/or milk or cream as desired

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine 2 1/4 cups of water, the salt, and the oats in a small saucepan over high heat.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, until the water is just absorbed. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. If desired, add butter to the cooked oatmeal and stir to incorporate.
4. Cover the saucepan with a lid and turn off the heat.
5. After five minutes, uncover the pan and give the oatmeal a good stir.
6. Add any additional ingredients you prefer, such as sweeteners like maple syrup, sugar, or honey, milk or cream for creaminess, or any other desired toppings.
7. Serve the oatmeal warm and enjoy!

IDEAS FOR OATMEAL, GRITS, AND OTHER COOKED GRAINS:

When serving a larger group of people, it’s great to provide a variety of garnishes and toppings for everyone to customize their hot cereals. Here are ten ideas to inspire you:

• Ground spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, cardamom, or anise.
• Chopped dried fruit.
• Chopped nuts and/or seeds.
• Fresh fruit: Apples, bananas, strawberries, apricots, peaches, blueberries, cherries, or raspberries, chopped or sliced as needed.
• Jam, jelly, marmalade, preserves, or macerated fruit.
• Shredded coconut: Toasted coconut adds a delicious twist.
• Granola.
• Grated cheese.
• Chopped Hard-Boiled Egg.
• Poached Egg, or simply crack an egg into the simmering mixture during the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking.

TIPS:

• To enhance the flavor of your oatmeal or other cooked grains, toast them lightly in a dry skillet before cooking. This can add a nutty taste and aroma to your dish.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute some or all of the water with milk or cream. This will give your oatmeal a richer and smoother consistency.
• Experiment with different types of sweeteners like brown sugar, agave syrup, or flavored syrups to add sweetness to your oatmeal. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• For added protein and crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top of your oatmeal. Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds work well.
• Make your oatmeal more filling and nutritious by adding fresh or dried fruits. Bananas, berries, raisins, or chopped apples are popular choices.
• Consider adding a pinch of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to infuse your oatmeal with warm and comforting flavors.
• If you want to save time in the morning, you can prepare a large batch of oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions as needed, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the texture.
• Don’t limit yourself to breakfast! Oatmeal can be enjoyed as a comforting snack or even as a dessert. Experiment with different toppings and additions to suit your cravings.