3-minute oatmeal

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But I used to think I didn’t like it. I thought it was a texture issue. It was, in part, but mostly it was a taste issue.

See, I would buy one of those boxes of flavored oatmeal packets and try them out. They seemed quick, they seemed healthy, they seemed like a good idea.

They were not. They were mushy and runny and full of weird additives masquerading as apples and cinnamon or undisclosed “berry” flavors.

Finally, my then-boyfriend, now-husband turned me on to real oatmeal. You know, made using just oats.

Hello breakfast!

You can certainly make yours on the stove, but we’re partial to the quick microwave trick: Put 1/2 cup of oats into a decent sized microwave bowl (big enough so it doesn’t bubble over and make a mess while cooking). Add your choice of liquid. I like water, my husband likes half water, half milk (soy, to be specific) and we make it for the kids using all soy milk. More protein. Plus, it adds just enough sweetness. You can play with the amount of liquid and how long you microwave to get it to your desired consistency.

Voila, a steaming bowl of comfort is ready for you!

Rushing out the door? My husband scoops his into a cup and eats it with a spoon in the car on the way to work.

This also makes great baby food. You can add water or milk (breast, formula or whatever kind your older child drinks) and puree it to the right consistency. Mine now (at 3 1/2 and 1 1/2) eat it as is with a spoon and couldn’t be happier. J, in fact, usually requires more than an adult-size serving. My big boy!

Delicious, easy, fast and even portable. Breakfast never had it so good.

We’re often lazy and go plain around here. Well, actually, I sprinkle mine with sea salt because I like it savory. Strange, I know, but it hits the spot. Other times, we want to fix up our oatmeal. Here’s a few ideas to try:

* Top with a drizzle of honey. Maybe a few slices of banana or strawberry or blueberries.
* Top with dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries or blueberries, dried apricots, etc.) and chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans or whatever you’ve got).
* Stir in a couple spoonfuls of applesauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A baby/kid favorite here.
* Stir in a dollop of peanut butter and add some honey or banana slices. Or some mini chocolate chips.
* Top with scrambled eggs and soy sauce. My personal favorite. Strange I know, but don’t knock it till you try it!

And don’t miss my super special (but secretly wholesome) chocolate oatmeal:

Give oatmeal another chance. You’ll be glad you did!

3-minute oatmeal

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Cook Time 3 minutes Total Time 3 minutes

Serves 1 serving     adjust servings

A super-fast breakfast that serves up some serious comfort!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup oats (I use old-fashioned oats)
• scant 1 cup liquid (water, milk or combination)

Instructions

1. Measure oats into a large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add liquid and make sure all of the oats are submerged.
3. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, 30 seconds. (See notes.)
4. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Be sure your bowl is big enough, otherwise the oats will bubble over in the microwave while cooking. No fun. Also, you can adjust the liquid (or add extra after it cooks) to get the oatmeal to your desired consistency. Same goes for microwave times - cook longer to firm it up a bit more, less to keep it more creamy.

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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 452kcal Calories from fat 120
% Daily Value
Total Fat 13g	20%
Saturated Fat 5g	25%
Cholesterol 24mg	8%
Sodium 116mg	5%
Carbohydrate 63g	21%
Dietary Fiber 8g	32%
Sugars 12g
Protein 21g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g