I had oatmeal for the first time two years ago, during my sophomore year of college. I knew I needed more soluble fiber in my diet to get my digestion issues under control, but I also wanted a low-cal option to help me lose my freshmen you-don’t-even-want-to-know-how-much.
I first tried the Quaker Instant Banana Bread flavor. Wow. I can remember being a little apprehensive of it at first (so mushy!), but the flavor appealed to me, so I stuck with it. By the time I finished that box, I was hooked.
That year, when I was home for spring break, all my mom had in the pantry was the giant carton of instant Quaker oats. I was so addicted to my daily bowl of oatmeal that I was willing to try it out.
I made it like I used to make Cream of Wheat. After I took it out of the microwave, I added butter, cinnamon, and sugar. And then I tried it. And gagged. So I added chocolate. And gagged again.
Flavored oatmeal packets spoil your taste buds with artificial flavoring and tons of sugar. And if you don’t know how to prepare unflavored oatmeal properly (which I didn’t), it makes the transition even more appalling.
So, my Christmas present from me to you:
- 1 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/2 cup regular rolled oats
- 1-2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- Bring milk (I use an 1/2 c original almond milk and 1/2 c water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir in peanut butter (or swap in your favorite nut butter!).
- Add in any mix-ins you have on hand, such as raisins, chocolate chips, or your favorite nut.
- When you’re satisfied with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any additional toppings (shredded coconut, banana, jelly, nuts, etc.).
- 1 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/2 cup regular rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
- 1-2 spoonfuls of fruit spread/jam
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract OR 1/4 tsp almond extract
- pinch of salt
- Bring liquid (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add a pinch of salt, a splash of either almond or vanilla extract, as well as any other spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.). Almond extract works really well with jams like cherry and blueberry, whereas vanilla is best with peach, strawberry, grape, etc.
- Stir in a spoonful or two of your favorite fruit preserves. It will take quite a bit of stirring for the jam to “blend” with the porridge–be patient! Raspberry, peach, apricot, blueberry, and strawberry jams/jellies/preserves work beautifully in oatmeal!
- If you’d like to add any additional ingredients (coconut oil, raisins, sunflower seeds), do so now.
- When you’re satisfied with the consistency of the oatmeal , transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).
- 1 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/2 cup regular rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract OR 1/4 tsp almond extract
- pinch of salt
- a handful’s worth of fresh fruit
- Bring liquid (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. I also add a spoonful of milled flax at the same time as my oats.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add a pinch of salt, a splash of either almond or vanilla extract, as well as any other spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.). Vanilla extract works well with almost every single fruit, but almond is nice with blueberries and cherries!
- Stir, stir, stir!
- If you’d like to add any additional ingredients (coconut oil, raisins, sunflower seeds), do so now.
- If you’re using stone fruit (like peaches), add diced fruit to the oatmeal while it’s still cooking (you could even add it earlier, like before Step 2). If you’re using berries, transfer porridge to a bowl and top your oatmeal with the fresh fruit.
- Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).
**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account! You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!
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