Operation Elevate Oatmeal

Whether starting with instant old fashioned, steel cut or multigrain oatmeal, it doesn't have to be mundane breakfast mush. Oatmeal is extremely healthy as it is a great source of dietary fiber and whole grains, while also providing five grams of healthy protein per serving. It is true that it has been shown to decrease cholesterol levels, and so it is a great choice for those looking to happily eat themselves to a healthier heart. Any oatmeal can become instant oatmeal, too, convenient for the countless on-the-go people, by just pulsing it in a food processor and adding a small amount of oat bran. This creates a texture that cooks up much faster and is more microwave friendly. 

There are countless ways to personalize oatmeal. Some even prefer to have more fruit than oatmeal by cutting an entire small apple, banana or peach and adding it to oats. Dried fruits, nuts and even fruit spreads are also great choices. Oats are normally cooked in water, but can be "creamed" at the end by adding a splash of milk or almond milk. The traditional sweetener is brown sugar, but a teaspoon or so of agave syrup works just as well. As far as spices go, ground ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and even mace can be an interesting addition to breakfast, and great for those that like ethnically spiced food. Sometimes it is hard to please those that like full flavored food at breakfast, because much of it can be very bland. The absolute number one forgotten seasoning to oatmeal made from scratch, however, is the addition of just a pinch of salt to bring out the natural flavor. Those watching sodium can always use potassium chloride salt substitute. Extracts can also be a great way to flavor oatmeal. Like maple brown sugar oatmeal but trying to cut down on sugar? Try a whole grain oatmeal and make with a small amount of maple extract and agave syrup, add some chopped nuts and there is a low sugar breakfast that will sustain hunger and provide long-enduring energy for a busy day. 

For those trying to get a more protein-rich diet, try making oatmeal with low fat milk, adding nuts or even nut butters, and experiment with adding protein powders to oatmeal. Hemp protein powder, for instance, dissolves well into oatmeal. Just simply add suggested serving size near the end of cooking so it doesn't taste burnt, and it will really kick up the protein without adding any animal products (warning: most hemp protein powder is dark green, so it won't look like traditional oatmeal when its done). 

Some great combinations are maple extract, pecans and peaches or nectarines, or dried figs, walnuts and fresh pears, both spiced with a touch of ginger and lots of cinnamon. A small amount of milk or agave nectar can be stirred in as well. Fresh fruit can be cut up into small pieces and put in with uncooked oatmeal, so the fruit gets a bit soft by the time the oatmeal is done. Bananas break down and make for very thick oatmeal. Dried fruit can be added at the end, as can nuts. Remember that when preparing oatmeal in the microwave or stovetop, oatmeal takes a lot of space to cook so use a pot or bowl that is about twice as large as you think you'll need, or there will surely be a nice mess to clean up.  Enjoy finding ways to celebrate the traditional heart and soul of breakfast and making it something worth serving to guests without seeming lazy and careless.