Microwave Oatmeal

There's no need to spend money on instant oatmeal, when this takes only a few seconds longer and tastes SO MUCH BETTER!  If measuring 1/2 cup of oats in the morning is too much, then measure them out and put in baggies the day before - do enough for a couple of weeks at a time.  You could even add dried fruit, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon to your mixes.  Then just add water and microwave.  Lately I've been using some freeze-dried diced apples with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Microwave Oatmeal - Basic Recipe for 1

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. water

Put in a large cereal bowl (it needs room to boil) and microwave 2 minutes on high.  I've found that sometimes I need to adjust the time when I have different brands of oats - one needed 3 minutes to get soft enough and another only needed 1 1/2 minutes, so cook until it's the texture you like.  You also might prefer to add more water, but I like mine fairly dry since I top it with milk or almond milk.

I like to add toppings like 1/2 cup of frozen berries or chopped apples and cinnamon (microwave 30 seconds longer) or 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, chopped bananas, and pumpkin pie spice.  Also fresh fruit like berries or peaches are great, or some dried blueberries and walnuts.

Refrigerator Oats

I got this Refrigerator Oats recipe from someone on Pinterest.  It was a bit difficult to find the chia seeds (let me tell you I got some funny looks from Pittsburghers when I was asking in the different grocery stores).  I found some in bulk at Whole Foods for a good price, but when I went back, they only had packaged seeds.  I got the lb. bag of Bob's Red Mill because it was the best price.  I've since found them at Costco and the East End Food Coop.  Before I found the chia seeds, I just made it without, and I actually prefer it without, but the chia is a very healthful addition (high in fiber, protein, and omega-3), so I've gotten used to it.  If you make it without, you'll need to reduce the amount of milk to about 1/2 cup.


Refrigerator Oats - Basic Recipe for 1
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2/3 cup milk
1 Tbs. chia seeds


I like to put it in pint jars, and each one holds 1 serving.  It will need to sit overnight, or at least for an hour so the oats and chia can absorb the liquid.  I make about 4-6 at a time, and we eat them over the course of a few days.  You could do all kinds of different flavors.  I just add flavors when it's time to eat so that the fruit stays fresh.  My favorite right now is fresh cubed mango, a dash of almond extract, and slivered almonds.  We've also liked any combination of fresh strawberries, blueberries or peaches, bananas and maple syrup.  Flavors that haven't been requested for a repeat include peanut butter & chocolate and applesauce cinnamon.  I think cooked apple chunks would be better texture-wise.  I've been meaning to try pumpkin spice.