For you oatmeal lovers

[Trek420]

DeniseGoldberg "My preference is McCann's Irish Oatmeal. I use the quick cook kind - in too much of a hurry at breakfast to cook the steel-cut version. Instant? I only put up with instant cereals when I'm camping!"

I love Mccanns! It's my favorite pre-ride breakfast. Sticks to the ribs, I'm not even hungry by the first or second rest stop (but I'll still eat, of course).

Last year on the AIDS ride I had oatmeal for breakfast each day, it wasn't Irish Oatmeal or even close to it but it helped.

Funny thing is when not riding I won't touch the stuff.

Don't let me forget to pack my REI portable sport spurrtle

[nuthatch]

You guys kill me! Myrtle spurtle!! My husband's German mom was a great one for discipline with a wooden spoon. That spurtle looks like the Scots version - I know I'd run if my mom waved that thing around!

Serious oatmeal eaters know that only steel-cut will do. Those of us who don't want to wait 20 minutes for it to cook, just bring it to a boil the night before, turn off the flame and put it on the back of the stove overnight. It's ready to just warm up in the morning. I've been eating steel-cut every morning for almost three years now and I'm still not tired of it. If you don't want to pay McCanns prices, check out the bulk bins at your health food store - it's about 79 cents a pound.

When we were in Scotland a couple of years ago, the hotel had a huge electric kettle of it on the buffet table along with honey on one side and whiskey on the other. Just a wee drap, mind!!

[DeniseGoldberg]

Serious oatmeal eaters know that only steel-cut will do. Those of us who don't want to wait 20 minutes for it to cook, just bring it to a boil the night before, turn off the flame and put it on the back of the stove overnight. It's ready to just warm up in the morning.

Thanks for the tip! Now I have to go buy some steel cut McCann's so I can try the overnight cooking trick.
--- Denise

[SadieKate]

OMG, where is this thread going? It got out of it's girdle.

Anyway, my 2 cents on the choice of oatmeal. I like the 7-grain cut cereals enhanced with other cut grains of choice. Lots of flavor, very chewy and they stick with you. Put 1 cup in a microwaveable bowl with 2 cups water and nuke for 10 mins while you shower. Voila!

Add to taste: sliced roasted almonds, pecan, raisins, chopped dates, cherries, brown sugar, etc., etc., etc.

[nuthatch]

Add to taste: sliced roasted almonds, pecan, raisins, chopped dates, cherries, brown sugar, etc., etc., etc.

Love these condiment ideas! There's no limit to how we will adulterate our oats!