Ode to Oatmeal

Oatmeal is reliable, healthy, and Mom-approved—but it doesn’t have to be boring! (Shocking, I know.) The best thing about oatmeal is its versatility: add some yum to humdrum porridge by topping with whatever you have on hand. Still stumped? Take inspiration from these breakfast boosters:

Dress it up like dessert

Chocolate for breakfast? Um, yes please! This recipe starts the day off sinfully with dark chocolate and cherry sauce. Alternatively, eat your oatmeal out of an almost-empty nut butter jar and bask in the nutty deliciousness. To create a creamy texture, I also like to add a few splashes of almond milk (or any kind of milk) to steaming oats.

Furnish with fruit

Berry season is in full bloom, so why not perk up your morning bowl of oats with some blueberries or strawberries? Banana slices and raisins are also a no-brainer. On adventurous mornings, thinly sliced mangos or peaches are great for their tropical tanginess.

Stir in some sugar and spice (and everything nice)

It’s hard to go wrong with honey and cinnamon. Other sweeteners include brown sugar, agave nectar, or any variety of jam. Also consider experimenting with crunchy textures: a couple tablespoons of chia seeds, pecans, walnuts, or even your favourite cereal.

Take advantage of time savers

No, I’m not referring to those packets of dry dust and dehydrated apple pieces marketed as instant oatmeal.  (Sorry, Quaker.) Frozen fruit is flavourful, quick, and cools tongue-burning porridge; even Froot Loop-loving kids couldn’t say no to this simple recipe with dates and frozen fruit. The truly time-starved can crumble a granola bar on cooked oats for an instant hit of yumminess. Finally, I like to soak steel-cut oats overnight to cut down on my morning scramble (oh wait, that’s eggs…). Now if only I could control my bad taste in food puns…

Those are my go-tos. What’s your favourite way to eat oatmeal? And the all-important question: rolled oats or steel cut? Share your ideas in the comments below or visit our Facebook and Twitter!