October 29th is National Oatmeal Day #NationalOatmealDay. I must tell you it’s a little chilly in my house this morning. A bowl of Quaker Original Oatmeal would taste good this morning, with Milk, Butter and Sugar. If only my mom was here to have a bowl of Oatmeal with me it would have been a perfect morning. But the LORD called her home.
Instead I’m sitting her working and stopped to make a Grocery List for this week. You can bet your bottom dollar I added Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal – Original -for me and Quaker Oats Quick 1 for David which I also will eat and we can make Oatmeal Cookies as well.
Also on the list I put Malt O Meal for David. Would you like to join us for breakfast? If so which would you prefer Oatmeal or Malt or Meal and why? Cooked or Instant Oatmeal and why? Would you want anything else with the Oatmeal and why? I will be having a glass of Milk. What would you like to drink and why?
National Oatmeal Day comes around annually on October 29, celebrating one of the world’s most versatile, familiar foods. But how many of us know more than that? How many ways are there to prepare Oatmeal? With all the ways to eat and use Oatmeal, it’s no wonder we had to dedicate a whole day to Oatmeal.
Oatmeal, while praised today by nutritionists and health gurus, comes from very humble beginnings. The last of the Cereal grains to be domesticated by Western Society 3,000 year ago, the Oats for Oatmeal came from weeds that grew in fields prepared for other crops.
Ancient Romans saw Oats as an unfortunate and diseased Wheat and used them as cheap horse food. They scoffed in disgust at Societies who ate Oats in their meals, including the Germanic tribes who conquered the West Roman Empire as well as the Scottish whom the Romans were never able to conquer. Huh, almost sounds like the Romans should have eaten their Oats after all.
Though Oats are still used in horse food today, there is a portion set aside specifically for human consumption. And for good reason! The fiber within Oats is more soluble than any other Grain. Soluble Fiber dissolves in Water and turns into a thick, viscous gel, which moves slowly through the body. This means it keeps you full for long periods of time.
Soluble fiber also slows down the body’s process of Glucose absorption and inhibits re-absorption of Bile into the system, meaning you avoid Sugar highs and lows while your Liver gets its needed cholesterol from your blood. So apparently, eating Oatmeal makes you stronger than a Roman. Who knew?
Recipe for Homemade Oatmeal
Base Recipe
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice
Instructions
Microwave Instructions
- Place the oats, water and salt in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on high for 90 seconds. Then add 15-second increments, if needed, until the oatmeal is puffed and softened. This is only necessary the first time you make it. Then you can gauge the exact time needed and repeat in the future. Add milk and stir before serving
Stovetop Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the oats. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Add the milk, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes.
Assembly
- Stir in the toppings and let rest for a few minutes to cool. Thin with a little more milk, if desired. Serve warm.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl Set
- Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Notes
Nutrition label is for base oatmeal recipe only and does not include additions/toppings.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last about 5 days in the fridge.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
