How to Make Oatmeal

Oatmeal is great for breakfast and it’s quick and easy to prepare. However, many of us rely on packaged instant versions instead of using real rolled oats, which are far superior in taste and nutrition (fiber, iron and B vitamins).

Contrary to popular belief, cooking old-fashioned rolled oats doesn’t take that much longer than the quick-cooking or instant varieties. But the big food companies don’t want us to know that. They also don’t want us to realize how much more expensive the packaged, flavored versions are and the amount of synthetic additives which are unnecessarily added for flavor, texture and appearance.

Cooking real oats takes about five minutes, whereas instant oatmeal takes about two. For the real version, just combine—roughly—equal parts oats and liquid (milk or water) in a pot and stir for about five minutes until the desired consistency is achieved. (For one portion, I use 2/3 cup of oatmeal and 3/4 cup of whole milk; decide for yourself what texture you like.)

Right now you may be thinking, “Wait, that’s it? So why am I paying $4.29 for a box (little less than a pound) of flavored Quaker Instant Oatmeal in individual portions when Rob pays $1.49 for a pound of organic rolled oats? And why do I need all the synthetic additives when Rob adds his own unprocessed flavorings: raisins or other dried fruit; fresh banana, blueberry, strawberry; nuts; cinnamon; and maple syrup or honey? Why does Rob's oatmeal taste a million times better than the packaged? Are the three minutes I’m saving really worth it?”

These are legitimate questions that can be asked about many foods offered to us. Try the oatmeal; let me know what you think.

Here's a video to help you make it: