The Real Deal Oatmeal

There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning for its "stick to your ribs" quality. Growing up I loved the mulitpack of instant oatmeal, so I could bounce between Apples n' Cinnamon and Maple and Brown Sugar to spice things up, but after converting to the real stuff I can't go back.

As easy as it is to toss a pre-measured packet of oats (and preservatives, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated soybean oil and a host of other un-pronouncables) and water into the microwave for 1:30, I would argue that oatmeal made from real whole oats will keep you more satisfied than the packaged stuff (sorry, Mr. Quaker). The oats are fluffier and the goodies you add yourself are much more nutritious than the dehydrated apples and artificially concocted "peaches n' cream" flavoring that may have been on grocery store shelves for a year.

The Real Deal Oatmeal:
1 serving

• 1/2 cup dry whole grain oats (or a mix of oats, barley, flax)
• 1 cup water
• pinch of salt
• toppings (whatever you like: raisins, sliced banana, cinnamon, chopped walnuts or almonds, honey, blueberries...you'll never get bored)
  

Boil water and salt in a sauce pan. Add oats and stir frequently for 5-6 min or until oats have become fluffy and absorbed most of the water. Add favorite toppings and enjoy.

I confess that for a brief stint I reverted back to the packets for the pure convenience of breakfast at work, until my friend Aimee tipped me off that you could whip up a big batch over the weekend (it literally takes 6 min), and take it to work in a tupperware for the week. Add a little water and it reheats great in the microwave. Ditch the processed packets for good!