Steel Cut Oatmeal

I love, and I mean love, a good oatmeal for breakfast. Instant ones don't do it for me, though. They're good in a pinch but they're not going to knock anyone's socks off. That's what steel cut oats are for. Traditional rolled oats are steamed, rolled, and then dried. Steal cut oats are actually the groats (which is the inside part of the oat kernel) and are cut into a few small pieces.

My favorite part about steel cut oats is their chewy texture and their almost nutty flavor. They pack such a tasty punch. They take about a half hour to make, which is why they aren't seen as often. It is entirely worth waiting for.

The cranberries really sold it.

Basic Steel Cut Oatmeal
Makes 5 servings, 7 Points+ per serving

What You'll Need:
1 cup steel cut oats (I use Bob's Red Mill)
2 cups water
2 cups milk
3 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup sweetener (honey, brown sugar, regular sugar, maple syrup... whatever you fancy)
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2-3 pats butter
1- 1 1/2 cups goodies (diced apples, dried fruit, walnuts... endless possibilities)

The Process:
   Melt your butter over medium heat in a pot. Mix in your cup of oats and let it toast for 5-6 minutes, until you can smell the nutty aroma. Add the water, milk, vanilla and mix well, then bring to a boil. Stir in all your spices and sweetener and reduce to a simmer. Adjust sweetness to taste. Mix in your goodies (I used diced up apples and dried cranberries this time). Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the oats are tender.

There are so many things you could add. I think I will try to pick up some walnuts next time, to try them out. You could leave out the goodies entirely and just eat it with the spices, it's still very tasty.

After it's cool, you can divide what's left of it up into containers for later. It reheats very well in the microwave (for a quick breakfasts all week!) and still tastes great. Just add a little more milk before heating. Enjoy!