Sunday Morning Oatmeal Recipes

Steps:

• Heat milk plus 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan until it starts to simmer. Add oatmeal and salt, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
• Remove from heat. Add your stir-ins: banana slices, cherries, raisins, or whatever you are using. Cover, and let stand 2 minutes. Serve hot with a drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle of brown sugar to taste, cinnamon if desired. You may also add extra milk to taste.
• Suggestions for stir-ins: chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, minced dried apricot, chopped apple (dried or fresh) etc.

Steps:

• The night before: In a 2-quart saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add 2/3 cup steel-cut oats (not quick-cooking). Stir, let cool to room temperature. Cover; refrigerate in pan overnight.
• In the morning: Add 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer until oats are tender but still chewy, 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/3 cup milk, and cook until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide between 2 bowls. Spoon on light-brown sugar and toppings (such as banana chips or sliced apricots), if desired. For a crunchy texture, add toasted nuts.