Didn't read all the replies - sorry, but just wanted to add a variation of your plan. 1/4 steel cut oats, 1 cup boiling water into thermos. Put on lid, sit on counter overnight. Still warm in the morning although I nuke it for 20-30 seconds to warm it up more. The thermos will have a slimy coating inside but no dried on oatmeal and it cleans up with hot water and soap, no scrubbing.



Quote Originally Posted by bmccasland View Post
Not too long ago was a thread about cooking oatmeal. Me, being a biologist and all, had to contuct a scientific experiment.... This was in the name of science afterall.
The oats - steel cut, what else?
Methods of cooking: traditional simmer on the stove, crockpot (and I have to get those liners for my non-removal crock), and boil/let sit.

Simmer on the stove - you have to stir it, otherwise it burns which is Not Good. Stir - labor intensive. Low simmer and ignore - burned.

Crock pot - follow the recipe, add dried fruit to satisfaction, cook on low overnight. Result: creamy oats, really soft fruit. I happen to like the nutty texture of steel oats, and this did get somewhat creamy. But not like rolled oats. If you're cooking for a family - this would be my method of choice. Hot oats for all in the morning, little fuss.

Bring to boil, cover, and let sit overnight. I really like this one. Of course the oats are cold in the morning, so you have to portion out and reheat in the microwave. I put in dried fruit when I brought the whole thing to a boil, and the fruit didn't get real soft. Also the pot is easier to clean than if I did the simmer and stir method.

Preferred method after this highly scientific experiment: bring to boil, cover, and sit overnight.

Bonne Appetite!