Oatmeal - Don't Say Yuck Until You Try It

Come on in, the back porch door is never locked. Hurry and close the door, you're letting all the heat out. Damn, 17 degrees with a wind chill of 9 is cold. We're having oatmeal for breakfast this morning.

Why do so many people hate oatmeal? Is it because the only kind they've ever had are those little packages that you rip open and add boiling water. If that's the case I'd hate it too. Buy a big container of Quaker Oats better yet a can of steel cut. Let's not get crazy yet, stick with Quaker's for now, not instant, it will say on the front Old Fashioned. They still only take 5 minutes to cook. They are heart healthy and help lower your cholesterol, we all know that. Plus on the inside of the lid is the best Oatmeal and Raisin Cookie recipe in the world.

Okay the oatmeal is cooked, (directions on the box) now let's make it fabulous. Stir in a big glop of butter or, honey butter( Mr. Cholesterol, I'll worry about you tomorrow)and/or maple syrup or honey, maybe a dash of cinnamon, a little fresh fruit if you like and finish it off with a big splash of cream. Half and half is okay if that's all you have. Doesn't that sound better than a frozen waffle or bagel? The oatmeal is the canvas you add whatever extras to complete the picture.

Your kids don't like oatmeal, or course that don't because they have never seen you eat it and talk about how yummy it is. Let them add the fruit or raisins to their own.

If you just don't think you have 5 extra minutes in the morning this is the trick. Put equal amounts of oatmeal and milk in a container and stir, set in the refrigerator overnight, heat in the microwave the next morning and add whatever you like. Toasted raisin bread is perfect to have with your oatmeal.

I had never had Baked Oatmeal until a few months ago, I think it must be a northern dish, I'll post that later today if I have time.

The point is, there is no excuse for not starting your day with a nice warm breakfast.

Sorry you have to go now, I have a cake to deliver to my friend Betty and dog food to buy before the big snow tonight. Come back anytime.