Oatmeal is a healthy choice for breakfast because of its high fiber and low glycemic content, which promotes good digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. Although eating a daily bowl of oatmeal can be boring and unappetizing, the recipe can be altered by roasting the oats, or adding milk, sweetener, fruit and spices.
Pour one cup of water or milk into a medium saucepan, put on high heat, and bring to a boil; add salt if desired. Stir in oats and bring back to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a creamier option, reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid and let sit for 20 minutes.
Remove oatmeal from heat and stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in fresh fruit or dried fruit, such as bananas, blueberries, raspberries, raisins, apricots or apples. If desired, add a sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
Remove from saucepan and pour into a bowl.
Tip
Try roasting oats before making oatmeal by cooking in a skillet on medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes, until browned.
For another option, dried fruit, sweetener and spices can be added to the water in the beginning, and then brought to a boil.
For a raw, chewier variety, simply put dry oats in a bowl, pour in warm water, stir until sufficiently soaked and add sweetener or fruit.
Warning
Be aware of what type of Quaker oats you buy, instant oats and quick oats have faster cooking times than old-fashioned oats.