Well Now I've Seen Everything...

     Wednesday was the first day of Spring.  It was actually a nice day.  That was just crazy.

     Yesterday, in the time it took us to drive home from swimming lessons it rained, snowed, hailed, and the sun came out.  Then about 20 minutes after we got home a huge crack of thunder shook the house, made one of the kids cry and sent the cat running under the bed like a cartoon character.  You know when they can't quite get traction and run in place for a second?  Yeah.  That was crazy.

     Today, we woke up to snow on the ground.  More snow than we had all winter.  At one point, the snow had tapered off and had melted from the trees and I said, "Well boys, that looks like the end."  At which time it immediately started snowing fast and hard.  My youngest said, "See Mom?! You made the snow mad! It wants kids to have fun!!"  Crazy.

     So, what do you do on a crazy morning when your kids are cold and wet from playing in the snow?  And it's too early to start drinking?  Why serve oatmeal, of course! 

     The host of a local radio program, one of the most famous chefs in this area, was talking about oatmeal last week and how he didn't like it much because all they ever had in the house was instant oatmeal.   I was surprised by this because this is such a foodie area and he is a famous chef for pete's sake.  I realize in retrospect, he's probably a very busy man and his family is like all other families who don't have a lot of time in the morning.  It's much easier to nuke a bowl of slop in the microwave for a minute than to babysit a pot on the stove for 10.  But I must say, I find the outcome considerably more rewarding.  Especially when compared to the oatmeals with added sweeteners and flavors.  

Basic Apple Walnut Oatmeal 

4 Cups Water

3 Cups Rolled Oats Oatmeal (Not quick-cook or instant, my favorite is Snoqualmie Falls Lodge)

1/2 tsp salt

1 C peeled and cubed Apples

1 C roughly chopped Walnuts

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Bring water and salt to boil on the stove.  Add apples, walnuts, oatmeal, and cinnamon and bring back to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until water is absorbed and oats are soft, but not too sloppy.  They should have a nice chew and the apples should not be completely soft. 

Notes:

Toppings: Sucanat or brown sugar for sprinkling, butter, and milk or vegan equivalents

Optional fruit: instead of apples, bananas, or raisins are other options, although I personally think raisins taste like sweet, warm slugs.  Almonds are a great alternative to walnuts.

Review:

This is perfect for Winter days and well... apparently Spring days, too...  It's not groundbreaking, but it's a whole lot better than something from a pouch.  Seriously, save those for camping.

What are your favorite ways to top oatmeal?