We had a snow day a few days ago and some friends came over to play. I remember playing outside and coming in starving. I wanted something that I could fix ahead of time, that was warm and filling; oatmeal sounded perfect.
I quickly threw some oatmeal in a pot, saw some flax seeds and threw those in, and then added some cranberries. I didn’t know how picky the kids would be, but I figured I would make a big pot, because left overs are great; especially whem my two year old insists on “cold oatmeal” for breakfast.
I added some brown sugar and a pinch of salt and some cinnamon, lightly toasted and mixed everything together. When everyhing smelled toasted, I added some almond milk and water and let it boil. I turned off the burner when it looked done, right as our friends showed up.
After snow ball fights and snowman all over the yard the kids were cold enough and hungry enough to come in for a bit to warm up. I asked my friend if oatmeal was an okay snack. A four year old and two two year old devoured the entire pot! So much for leftovers, safe to say it was a hit.
I always flavor my oatmeal while it is cooking, not after. While it is cooking I feel like it can absorb more of the flavor and I end up using less sugar and salt. I also really like adding other textures to my oatmeal, it gives it more flavor and makes it look prettier.
I love using milk to make the oatmeal, it makes it creamier and adds some extra vitamins. Feel free to use water, or substitute with almond milk or other nut milk.
If you have an over ripe banana in your fruit bowl, throw that in. The banana folds into the oatmeal perfectly so that you get a wonderful real banana oatmeal flavor. Or if there is an apple in the fruit bowl that is not as crunchy, grab that thing and peel it. Slice it up into little bite sized slices and throw that it in.
Basic Ingredients
- 2 tspn butter
- 2 cups Oatmeal
- 1/4 cup brown sugar to taste (substitute white sugar, honey or maple syrup)
- 1/8 tspn salt to taste
- 1/2 tspn cinnamon
- 1/2 tspn ginger
- 2 -2 1/2 cups milk or water
Yummy Add Ons
I usually eyeball these. If I add more ingredients, it is usually less of each. For example if I’m just adding dried cranberries, I will add a half cup, but if I’m adding dried cranberries and peppitas, I add 1/4 cup of each. Also, if I’m adding fresh or frozen fruit, I usually leave out any dried fruit.
- Dried cranberries
- Raisens
- Dried mangos
- Flax seed
- Chia seeds
- Coconut flakes
- Fresh/frozen fruit: blueberries strawberries, raspberries, bananas, apples
Directions
- Put the butter and oatmeal in a pan to toast; add the sugar, spices, and salt. Give it a quick stir.
- When the oatmeal is smelling toasty, about 3-7 minutes or so, add the 3/4 cups dried cranberries and 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds and stir. (Any dried fruit and any seeds can be substituted, or left out)
- Pour your milk or water on the oats and cover. Cook for about 5 minutes and serve.
Great Combinations
- Dried mango and coconut flakes
- Dried cranberries and Peppita
- Banana and pecans
- Apples and cinnamon
Of course these are just some suggestions of combinations, that work with the basic oatmeal recipe. I also like to make the basic when I’m adding frozen fruit. That way when the little ones are starving for breakfast and waiting an extra 2 minutes seems way to long, frozen blueberries cool the oatmeal to be almost instantly edible.
