Tasty Bites: Best.Oats.Ever.

By Candy, RN (Steele the Day)

Oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts. It has that stick-to-your ribs character that gets you through the morning and is full of whole-grain goodness. In addition to the fiber, phosphorus, selenium, and manganese that oats provide, I like to “spike” mine with a few other healthy additions to boost the nutritional value. Therein lies the problem as I attempt to give you a recipe – I have never made them the same way twice, but the basic premise is the same: one part old-fashioned rolled oats to two parts liquid. Then get creative!

I almost always add the same three ingredients after the oats and liquid: ground flax seeds, chia seeds, and banana. Flax and chia seeds give you healthy plant-based Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, as well as more fiber. The banana makes the oats sweet and provides potassium.

I add spices and extracts to complement the toppings I plan to add. Vanilla, almond, or orange extract, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice … endless possibilities.

Then there are the toppings. Oh, the toppings. Think ice cream and go from there. Fresh in-season or dried fruit (dried is also good cooked in with the oats as well as on top), chocolate chips, coconut, nut butters, jelly, or nuts. (Because in my kitchen, anything good is better with nuts). Drizzle with honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Again, the possibilities are infinite.

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