Monday, January 4, 2010

some punkins

Hi pretty ladies! Fancy seeing you 'round the blogosphere ;). Yesterday, both Jess and Chris asked how I make my "scrumptious and chunky" oats (although I'd have to attribute that description to the blogger of the two) so I thought I'd do a special how-to post tonight. I only started to eat oatmeal about two years ago when I was under the instruction of now-California girl, Jenna (my first bloggie). Since then, I've adjusted it multiple times to my own seasonal tastes and desires... I hope you enjoy the filling result soon, I know I do nearly each and every morning.
I began (and begin) with steel-cut, never instant or rolled, and so they will always be my unprocessed grain of choice. With a measuring cup, I drop about 1/4 -1/3 of a cup oats into a small pot with approximately 1/2 cup of almond milk. I used to simply use water, though, and whip an entire banana into it to get that same creamy effect (plus a dollop of yogurt at the end.) Then I put it on low heat, add a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of vanilla and a generous pour shake of cinnamon.
Afterwards I add the flavor. Lately I've been on a pumpkin kick, as I'm sure you've noticed (I add two big spoonfuls each time,) but throughout the year I go through phases of apple, raspberry, pomegranate, and strawberry. In the last three, I use at least a half of a banana as well because it pairs so nicely. Banana is also the ideal sweetener but I've found that I'd rather use honey or agave nectar in the pumpkin variety.



On average, I cook it about 6 minutes (less than they recommend but it's always worked for me), stirring it about three to four times during that span. Steel-cut oats soak up less, but if they begin to burn obviously add a splash more of almond milk (or water, etc.) Finally, I pour it into the bowl, pre-sprinkled with ground flax seed, and serve with a scoop of nut/seed butter. In this morning's case, peanut. Now get to sleep so you can enjoy it tomorrow! Sweet dreams :)

13 comments:

  1. Wow, those oats look great!

    Thank you so much for sending my Secret Santa gift! I actually tried the hot chocolate out with some friends last night, and it was amazing!! I didn't win anything with the lotto card, but it was still exciting scratching away! I posted about it this weekend!! Tchuss!

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  2. I will be adding steel cut oats to my grocery shopping list. I need to see what this stuff's all about.

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  3. Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete: Thanks... and I'm so glad you finally got it! Just emailed you :) enjoy!

    louisianagrown: Oh please do! And let me know what you think afterwards.

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  4. I have never tried steel cut oats for some reason, but I know they are healthier, so I need to do it! Looks like you have perfected the method--I love pumpkin in my oats!

    Happy New Year, Danielle!

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  5. Its funny that one of your is "nut butter" haha

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  6. Thinspired; Hope you try 'em some day! Same to you!

    chris: (unamused) lol

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  7. Your oats do always look exceptionally delicious :) I've never tried steel cut though, I wonder if I would like 'em...

    Hope you've had a good Wednesday!

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  8. jenngirl: I think you would :) same to you!

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  9. i guess I am 4 years old because I was entertained for so long after reading that :)

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  10. ah that sounds fabulous!!

    thanks for the breakdown :)

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  11. jesslikesithot: Your very welcome :)

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