Tasty Tuesdy - Fun With Oatmeal

Today, what I'm cooking isn't a fancy dish.  It isn't something that most of you haven't already made before.  Who doesn't love oatmeal as a great comfort dish.  So why am I posting about oatmeal?  I see commercials and advertisements and store displays more and more that advertise "oatmeal" that... really isn't.

What they're selling is instant and is microwaved and full of all sorts of ingredients that don't need to be there.  I've tried these oatmeals when they've been put in my mailbox as part of a newspaper promotion, and the stuff that comes from the pouch is powdery.  It's not oats, and it is nowhere near as good - or cheap - as what I can make at home with no effort and barely any time.

Oatmeal is a staple breakfast for us, and half the fun is deciding what we're going to do with it.  The wee ones sometimes specifically ask for something, but most of the time they like it to be a surprise.  How can you argue with a breakfast that's quick, healthy, and loved by the wee ones?

Go make some tomorrow morning.  Or now for a snack.

Fun with Oatmeal

Ingredients:
1/3 c rolled oats*
2/3 c milk*
Toppings

*Cooking oatmeal is a ratio of 1 part oats to 2 parts liquid. I find that 1/3 cup is plenty of oatmeal for a meal for me or for the wee ones, but feel free to make more or less, depending upon your appetite using that ratio.

Directions:
Place the oats and milk into a saucepan.  If you are using dried fruits as part of your toppings, add those, too.  Otherwise, it's the oats and the milk.  Turn the stove onto medium low, and walk away.

As far as toppings go, I have a variety of go to items.  I love dried cherries in my oatmeal.  Besides that, we'll do everything from coconut to mango to sliced bananas or strawberries, and sometimes we'll be decadent and add a few dark chocolate chips.  The wee ones love their oatmeal finished with a drizzle of good quality maple syrup, while I'll add a little sprinkle of brown sugar if I want something a bit sweeter.

All you need to do with the oatmeal is swirl the pan every few minutes.  You want the oatmeal to come to a very light boil - still mostly a simmer - and cook for five or so minutes like this.  It's the perfect breakfast because you can walk away and do other things.  Go put on your makeup, and come back to breakfast that's ready to go.  Simply pour the oatmeal into a bowl, and add any of your fresh toppings, then enjoy while hot.  It's truly that easy.

Promise me you won't buy any more of those packets?  What will you put in your oatmeal?

Enjoy this and more with Blessed With Grace and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Also posting now with A Southern Fairytale and her Mouthwatering Monday.