I grew up on oatmeal, eating it at least 5 days a week for years. I really like it and still eat it about 5 days a week. I've been asked how I can eat the same thing that often. Well, I seldom make it the same 2 days in a row. You can come up with a very different dish by changing the ingredients and cooking process.
I remember years ago when my granddaughters stayed with us for a few days. I asked if they wanted oatmeal and they said, "what flavors do you have?" They were on the right track by understanding that oatmeal doesn't have to be boring and the same everyday, but they didn't know that oatmeal can be much better than what you get out of the instant packets.
First, my dirty little secret - I don't eat oatmeal very often, well not straight oatmeal. The local bulk store sells a 7-Grain mix of Rye, Barley, Spelt, Red & White Wheat, Oat, and Triticale. It is all whole grain and is all rolled, like standard commercial oatmeal. From time to time we run out of the 7-Grain and eat straight oats. Straight oats without the other grains just seems to be less robust to me now. I use the 7-Grain exactly the same as oats, so either will work. But do try to add other whole grains to your pot.
Further, I also keep on hand these grains which I add from time to time:
- Oat Groats
- Buckwheat groats
- Cracked wheat
- Rolled oats (yeah, just the plain old oats added in change it up a bit)
- Corn meal
Usually I just replace some of the 7-Grain with an equal amount of one of these, keeping it mostly 7-Grain. However, sometimes I just cook one of the above. Yesterday I cooked a pot of buckwheat groats. They are chewier and have a nice "bite." Sometimes I make a pot of cracked wheat. Wait...do those belong in a different article?
Fruit - I add fruit about two-thirds of the time, usually raisins (black or golden), craisins, apricots, dates, figs, etc. Basically, any dried fruit is fine. Why does it have to be dried? Well, I don't know, but I always use dried fruit in the pot and if I'm using fresh or frozen fruit (I LOVE peaches) I put them in the bowl.
Spices - Always a pinch of salt, but just a pinch. A small pinch. I alternate between no other spices, cinnamon, and fresh-grated nutmeg. Occasionally I'll use vanilla or amaretto. Seems like I should be using other spices. Suggestions?
For serving methods the old standby is milk and sugar, and is delicious. There are some other options, however. Oatmeal is heart-healthy but is all carbs. I like to add fat-free yogurt, greek or plain. This provides some fat-free protein and makes the oatmeal last longer through the morning. I still add a little milk just to loosen it up a little. For sweeteners I like to use one or more of these--fruit, sugar, honey, or sorghum. Occasionally I toss a little Grapenut cereal or granola on top for texture.
