Friday, March 22, 2013

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? 

14 comments:

  1. We love oatmeal! We like the steel-cut kind though. SO good. I usually put apples in, but hadn't thought about adding walnuts. Dried cranberries or cherries are yummy too.

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    1. I had some steel cut oats in the pantry for a while but never got my act together to cook them properly. Looking at the process though, I bet I could figure out a way to rig it in the pressure cooker. Hmmm... I like the idea of the cranberries, too!

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  2. I have never been able to enjoy oatmeal! It always looks great but my Indian tastebuds could need really get it :(

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    1. Hmmm... is it a flavor thing or a texture thing, Chinmayie? I bet cardamom would be great in oatmeal. Or even a savory version with curry possibly... But if it's a texture thing, there's not much to be done about that...

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  3. Pecans and brown sugar or cranberries and almonds. I like quick though - however, I heard you can make it in your crock pot (steel cut) and it'll save for a few days in the fridge. :)

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    1. Yeah, I am not coordinated enough for slow cookers either, usually. The whole "thinking about it the night before" thing just doesn't work for me. Lol! =)

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  4. I love the photos of the oatmeal. They made me so hungry. Oatmeal is such a wonderful, simple, hearty, filling treat. I love it with pecans and maple sugar. I'll definitely be tossing in a diced apple next time. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you, Kelly! Good to see you here! Oh, I like the idea of maple sugar. That sounds wonderful! And who doesn't love pecans?!

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  5. This is actually my favorite way to eat hot oatmeal! Especially on cold days, this is a perfect breakfast. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lauren! I love the name of your blog! I think oatmeal tends to be underestimated.

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  6. You can put the ingredients in a pot on the stove, let it soak overnight, then it cooks up in half the time in the morning. Adding apples and walnuts sounds lovely!

    We never got any snow to stick at our house. :-(

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    1. Yeah, I just never remember to get it put together the night before. Procrastinator Me.

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  7. Last week's weather was totally crazy! We were at my son's field meet during the rain/snow/hail/sun stretch. Thank goodness we have the sun now! I make oatmeal almost every day. I usually throw in frozen blueberries, but love your addition of apples and walnuts. Hope you're out enjoying this gorgeous morning!

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    1. Indeed I was! Today was the celebrated "compost tilling day" at our house! I can't imagine being outside in that mess!!

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