Oatmeal for breakfast

[azfiddle]

Dogmama- no need to microwave the Trader Joe's oatmeal. Just pour 1/4 cup into 3/4 cup boiling water, turn to simmer, make a cup of tea and pack my lunch, and it's ready.

[Dogmama]

Dogmama- no need to microwave the Trader Joe's oatmeal. Just pour 1/4 cup into 3/4 cup boiling water, turn to simmer, make a cup of tea and pack my lunch, and it's ready.

Thanks!

So, I have to pack your lunch while it's cooking ?

[surgtech1956]

Thanks Dogmama, so you don't add to already cooked oatmeal. The oatmeal doesn't actually cook or the cottage cheese cooks it? Thanks again for sharing, sounds yummy, going to try it tomorrow.

[Dogmama]

Thanks Dogmama, so you don't add to already cooked oatmeal. The oatmeal doesn't actually cook or the cottage cheese cooks it? Thanks again for sharing, sounds yummy, going to try it tomorrow.

Obviously, I'll never write a recipe book!

Here is what I do. Cook the oatmeal. Add the cottage cheese. Nuke the whole thing again (not necessary if in hurry but nice if you like hot oatmeal.)

Sorry for the misunderstanding!

[surgtech1956]

Thanks

[nkfrench]

During the warmer months I'll make oatmeal in advance then eat it cold - it tastes like rice pudding. I just made 5 extra servings for my workday breakfasts.
During the cooler months I'll make individual portion packets (dry ingredients, uncooked) in zip-lock sandwich bags to cook while I'm at work.

* 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
* about 1/3 or 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* Liberal sprinkling of ground cinnamon (1 TB?)
* sweetener to choice (3 packets splenda)
Dump into DEEP bowl (I use a 28-oz Corelle bowl). Add enough water that the cranberries float up. Put into microwave oven with a paperplate underneath and another on top to control spatters/boilovers.
Nuke 6-1/2 minutes power level 8 (cheap microwave) or 7 (on higher wattage microwave) out of 10.
Right after cooking, stir in:
* 6-oz container nonfat yogurt. (plain is OK, vanilla is better)
Here is where you can choose to eat it or refridgerate it.
Before eating, sprinkle sliced almonds atop.
Other options are to add almond extract (just a few drops) or vanilla extract (a few more drops) after cooking.

Dried cranberries do not have near as much flavor; I prefer to stockpile real cranberries in my freezer in November for the rest of the year.
The yogurt gives it a creamy texture (not gummy) and adds protein. The berries give it additional vitamins and flavor. The almonds also add satiety and texture.

The old fashioned oats have a much better texture and taste than quick oats, in my opinion. I don't care so much for steel-cut oats.
I could probably make a larger batch on the stovetop or crockpot if I tried.

There is a lot of fiber, plan your morning bikerides accordingly.

[Owlie]

I've mixed peanut butter into it with a little sugar and milk.
Chai spices, toasted almonds and a bit of sugar and milk.
Dried cherries, toasted almonds or walnuts, a little sugar and milk.

I don't eat it often, because I find that it doesn't "stick"--I'm hungry again in an hour. Perhaps I'll try the yogurt/cottage cheese suggestions.