Fall is here and it looks like it’s here to stay! As the weather gets colder, having a nice warm breakfast can really set the mood for the rest of the day and make it a little easier to get ourselves out the door in the morning. Oatmeal for breakfast is another way to make mornings go a little smoother, it’s fast, simple and you can keep it on hand, in the pantry! The most common objection to oatmeal is that it’s “bland” but that doesn’t have to be the case. Check out these ways to make oatmeal your new and exciting go-to breakfast, for the whole family to love!
Traditional, with a Twist
Make your oatmeal according to package directions.
For rolled oats, the ratio is normally ½ cup oats to 1 cup water (or milk) a pinch of sea salt also adds another layer of depth to the oats. By cooking your oatmeal on the stove (rather than the microwave) your oatmeal will have a smoother consistency as the oats tend to plump up more. Stirring every few minutes to ensure even cooking. After all the water is absorbed and your oats are at your desired consistency, turn off the heat, cover and keep in the pot until you’re ready to serve.
Toppings:
If your family is all on the same page and everyone likes the same kind of oatmeal (what are the chances!) you can add in some cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice in the spirit of fall. Or you can wait until everyone has their own bowl and offer up any number of toppings, like these: pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, diced apples, sliced apples (fun as a “spoon” for some bites of oatmeal), bananas and nut butter, plain Greek yogurt, dried fruits or frozen berries
Tip: By leaving your oats to sit a few minutes after cooking is complete, your oats will become more solidified and have a less-mushy texture. Play with the wait time to determine what your and your family’s favorite style is!