Good Morning Everyone! In my quest to become healthier, I have made some dietary changes. It is mainly a push to eliminate additives and foods that are not helpful to the body. For me (and everyone is different) this means no caffeine, no dairy, no gluten (not because it is wheat but the way it is processed), no alcohol (gasp - even my beloved wine), no refined sugar and no processed foods. This is not an all or nothing, please know that if I want to occasionally (again - occasionally) to have something, I will - AND I DO. Every choice made for a more natural product is a step and your body says "thank you." Just think of it this way, if you don't know what an ingredient is (on the label), you should probably not have it. Anytime you can make something yourself or purchase fresh, you are making a better choice. Again, this is just for me and I am much happier eating this way. I still eat out. I still enjoy good food. It is just looking for the best choices.
So, because I live with my husband and son, they are subjected to my cooking as well. They still eat their own stuff (i.e. microwave popcorn, packaged granola bars, cheese), but when they eat what I make I know it is good for them. On workdays, I make breakfast. Why? Lots of reasons - I like to know Michael has gone to work with something HEALTHY in his body for energy and I believe breakfast is SUPER important for metabolism and energy. Our bodies need something decent to begin the day. I still love bacon (uncured and no additives) and fried eggs on toast (there are great alternatives for bread, Udi's is a good one), but we can't eat this every day. I started making steel cut oatmeal. Michael isn't the biggest fan, but I have found some ways to make it that he enjoys and likes! I of course love it, what's not to love? Protein, fiber, filling - the best!
Let's talk about the downside - it takes 30 minutes to cook. Yes, 30 minutes. For me the total prep time is about 45 minutes. You do not need to stand over the stove this whole time, just an occasional stir. I use the time to make my lunch, get on the computer, make the bed or any other morning task I need to do. You can also save 1/2 of it (the recipes make 4 servings) for the next day. You would just need to add a little milk (or almond milk) to give it a good consistency.If you have only eaten rolled oats or quick cooking oats, this is different. The whole grain is a bit tougher and holds it body better than the other types. Do not think of it as the oatmeal you have been raised on, but rather a completely different type of warm cereal. I mean oatmeal is different from cream of wheat - so, this is a third variety.
This stuff is not expensive. I love Trader Joe's. I try to get what I can there since it is the most reasonably priced. Sprouts is another good option. Even Walmart has some organic items.
Here are some of the variations I have tried (and liked) - but I won't stop here! You shouldn't either - try a recipe and tweak it to your taste and liking. Michael and I each have different favorites and I am sure you will too.
Cinnamon Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal - Michael's Favorite
4 c water
1 c steel cut oats
1 green apple: peeled, cored and chopped
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt (depending on taste)
4 tbsp pure maple syrup (the real stuff)
In a medium saucepan, add water, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and add the oats. Do not do this over the heat! It will bubble over and make a huge mess. Stir in the oats and return to the heat, but now at a simmer setting. The oats will need to cook 30 minutes with occasional stirring. Sometimes they may stick a bit to the bottom of the pan, no big deal, just stir the oats until they are smooth again.
With 10 minutes of cook time remaining, stir in the apple pieces. We like ours a little firm, but if you would like them softer, add sooner. Pour into 4 bowls and add 1 tbsp maple syrup to each. Serve.
Date Nut Oatmeal
4 c water
1 c steel cut oats
4 medjool dates: seeded and chopped fine
1/2 c chopped pecans
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt (depending on taste)
This is my new favorite! The dates dissolve into the oatmeal leaving just the flavor - so yummy!
In a medium saucepan, add water, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and add the oats. Do not do this over the heat! It will bubble over and make a huge mess. Stir in the oats and return to the heat, but now at a simmer setting. The oats will need to cook 30 minutes with occasional stirring. Sometimes they may stick a bit to the bottom of the pan, no big deal, just stir the oats until they are smooth again.
With 5-10 minutes of cook time remaining, add the dates and nuts. Stir until the dates are well mixed (they stick at first). They will disappear. Makes 4 servings.
Blueberry Oatmeal
4 c water
1 c steel cut oats
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/4 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp raw organic honey
In a medium saucepan, add water, cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and add the oats. Do not do this over the heat! It will bubble over and make a huge mess. Stir in the oats and return to the heat, but now at a simmer setting. The oats will need to cook 30 minutes with occasional stirring. Sometimes they may stick a bit to the bottom of the pan, no big deal, just stir the oats until they are smooth again.
With 10 minutes of cook time remaining, add the blueberries. Stir. They will change the color of the oatmeal a pretty blue shade. Place in four bowls and add a 1/2 tbsp of honey. Serve.
Strawberry (or blackberry or raspberry) Oatmeal
4 c water
1 c steel cut oats
1 cup strawberries: hulled and chopped
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp raw organic honey
In a medium saucepan, add water, ginger and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and add the oats. Do not do this over the heat! It will bubble over and make a huge mess. Stir in the oats and return to the heat, but now at a simmer setting. The oats will need to cook 30 minutes with occasional stirring. Sometimes they may stick a bit to the bottom of the pan, no big deal, just stir the oats until they are smooth again.
With 10 minutes of cook time remaining, add the berries. Stir. Place in four bowls and add a 1/2 tbsp of honey. Serve.
Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal
4 c water
1 c steel cut oats
1/2 cup organic raisins (I used Thompson seedless)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 -1/2 tsp kosher salt
Chopped nuts (optional - it can be sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, whatever)
2 tbsp raw organic honey
In a medium saucepan, add water, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and add the oats. Do not do this over the heat! It will bubble over and make a huge mess. Stir in the oats and return to the heat, but now at a simmer setting. The oats will need to cook 30 minutes with occasional stirring. Sometimes they may stick a bit to the bottom of the pan, no big deal, just stir the oats until they are smooth again.
With 10 minutes of cook time remaining, add the raisins and nuts. Stir. Place in four bowls and add a 1/2 tbsp of honey. Serve.
What if you just want it plain?
I would say make the Cinnamon Raisin without the raisin. For us, the spices really make the difference in the flavor.
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