It's Good for You!

When I was a child we had either wheat porridge or oatmeal porridge for breakfast most mornings. My parents tried hard to sell us the idea that it was good but although I ate it I never bought the idea that it was good. In fact, in my opinion it was barely 'swallow-able'. I distinctly remember one rebellious morning, sitting at the table for what seemed like hours, hoping that my mother would relent and let me not eat the nasty, gray, cold, congealed lump in my bowl. She didn't and I did eat it. I never learned to like it. Now older, wiser, and grayer myself, I have found a way to enjoy a bowl of oatmeal porridge. No longer do I have a little oatmeal with my brown sugar ... so it is actually good for me. This is the way I make my morning bowlful. Not only is it 'good for you' but in my opinion, it's just plain good!

Oatmeal a la Cher

1 1/4 cups water

1/4 cup old fashioned (large flake) rolled oats

pinch of salt (sea salt is best for you)

2 tbsp raisins

2 tbsp craisins

1/2 Granny Smith apple, chopped

Bring to a slow boil and cook for about 4 minutes. Then turn off the heat but leave the pan on the burner. Go read the paper or have a shower or something for about 20 minutes. When you come back add:

1 heaping tbsp milled flaxseed

1 heaping tbsp shelled hemp seed (or hemp hearts)

2 tbsp plain yogurt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp maple syrup or honey - or to taste

Stir it all together and enjoy. I make this much for 1 person (me!) and feel a little sad when I scrape my bowl - but you gotta know this makes a big bowlful. Keeps me full all morning though! And it is VERY good for you.

I like it anyway. Let me know if you try it and like it too.

p.s. I have made a much larger quantity and saved it in the fridge. It reheats very well in the microwave.


update: I now use coconut milk instead of the plain yogurt. (January 2012)

And.... how does one really take a picture of a bowl of oatmeal?!