Introducing... THE OAT GRAIN ;)

I want to talk about oats today. Yes, as in oatmeal oats.

Boring subject? NOPE. Not if if you know how to cook and eat them right.

Tell you something you didn't know before?
Well, how about... quick oats or rolled oats (the flat ones) are the equivalent of processed food in the world of grains? They have slightly less nutritional value but more fat (seriously... it's strange) and higher glycemic level. Don't even get me started on instant oats- instant oats only fill you up but have no other benefits what so ever. Kinda like iceberg lettuce. *Shudder*

If you want to eat oatmeal, make sure you cook the oat grain in its pure form, or what is termed the "oat groat." If not, try for the second best version, which is steel-cut oats. Steel-cut oats, as the name implies, are oat groats cut into smaller pieces (probably using a steel-blade knife) for faster cooking. These two types of oats cook longer but they taste soooooo much better and provide the real nutrition that oats are famous for. Plus, steel cut oats are not expensive at all.

Steel-cut oats

Notice how they are SO NOT FLAT!

I used Alton Brown's recipe, and I have to say, Alton Brown does not disappoint. I wish there was a way transport the fragrance and taste of the "toasted" oats to my readers- unbelievably aromatic nutty flavors!

I cooked up about 2/3 C oats, and that fed me 3 delicious breakfast meals. They keep in the fridge for up to a week, and in the freezer even longer. How convenient is that to simply take it out every morning and microwave before seasoning?

Two ways I "flavor" my cooked oats
1) Coconut oil. Sounds disgusting, but you would not believe how DIVINE it tastes. Btw, coconut oil is actually one of the healthiest oils on the face of the planet. It is also one of the best oils used for frying at high heat.
Start with one teaspoon to every one cup of oatmeal, and add more according to taste.

2) Cream and fruit

Oatmeal, fresh raspberries and peaches, and chocolate shavings
Mmm... 

Don't be stingy when adding cream - at least 2 tablespoons for every one cup of oatmeal. Cream is a very healthy fat, so don't be afraid! I also add in cinnamon for a nice "kick."

Enjoy!