Oatmeal Tips...HELP!

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/10/2007 10:17:50 PM
Author: Linda W
Gypsy


My mom always cooked it this way, for my brother, myself and my dad.

Linda P.S. She always used whole milk though, when we were growing up. It was realllly yummy then.

When I started cooking it (years ago) I used whole milk too. I was wonderful. But now, when I do it with whole milk (which I do for people sometimes... like my grandfather) it tastes too creamy for me. Strange. I''ve gotten really used to the low fat milks. We normally have non-fat in the house though... which isn''t as good as the 1% at all with it.

 

[Miranda]

MMMMMMMM...I love oatmeal. Sometimes I''m lazy and eat instant, low sugar with maple and brown sugar flavoring. If I make the ''real'' stuff I cook it on the stove and eat it with half and half and brown sugar. Yummmmmy!!!

 

[Linda W]

Oh Yummmmmmmmmy half and half. That sure sounds better than our 1% milk. Ya hear that Gypsy???

Linda

 

[VRBeauty]

Date: 12/10/2007 10:42:32 PM
Author: aljdewey
Iwanna, it seems your problem is that it''s too chewy....as in not creamy enough, right?

I''ve cooked the old-fashioned oats on the stovetop and the microwave, and I find the key to getting it ''not chewy'' is to soak the oats with the liquid for a few minutes first.

Then, it doesn''t seem to matter if it''s stovetop or microwave; the oat has absorbed the liquid and becomes creamier. I also think it helps to limit ''runover'' in the microwave.

Add one part oats to two parts liquid (milk, water, combo, whatever your pleasure) and let it sit for 2-3 minutes; THEN cook.

I personally find that works for me, because I add sugar-free maple syrup, splenda, and milk to mine when it''s done. If you don''t like the add-ins and the oatmeal comes too thick to begin with, increase the liquid until you''re happy with the consistency (2.5 parts to 1, 3 parts to 1, etc)

I use a variation of Alj''s method.

I make mine with milk, in the m''wave. I add cold milk to the dry regular oatmeal and some dried fruit (raisins, dried appricots or cranberries, etc.) and nuke it for 3 minutes at medium strenght -- about a 7-8. That usually sits for a few minutes before I set the m''wave to high and nuke it for 3 minutes longer. Or.. I make it with water and add half-and-half. I like to add a few things after it''s cooked too... usually slivered almonds and ground flaxseed. I''ve found that I need the extra fat in these goodies to get me through the morning.

One thing I learned the hard way (no pun intended): if you don''t let the oatmeal absorb enough liquids while you''re making it, it can sop absorb liquids while it''s being digested and - er clog up your system.

 

[Mara]

good point Mini for sure re enough liquid.

zoe, i used to think that one packet was not enough, but really i found that i was not adding enough liquid to it. now when i make one packet, i use a ton of liquid, it absorbs it ALL up in the microwave and it almost fills the entire bowl. seriously i am always shocked at how much a packet makes when the oats absorb all the liquid and get really puffy. i realized that i wasn''t really cooking it enough previously so they never got quite puffy enough. but you may not like the puffy texture.

who knew oatmeal was so personal .... we''re on page two of this thread...hehe. i love oatmeal and could eat it almost any which way, even undercooked, i did for years!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 12/11/2007 12:18:32 AM
Author: Linda W
Oh Yummmmmmmmmy half and half. That sure sounds better than our 1% milk. Ya hear that Gypsy???


Linda

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. That sounds scrumptious. And to think: I feel decadent using 2% or whole milk!

I totally agree about the ''enough'' liquid issue. Too little and you end up with gunk or glue. Yuck!

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Date: 12/11/2007 1:57:04 AM
Author: Mara
good point Mini for sure re enough liquid.

zoe, i used to think that one packet was not enough, but really i found that i was not adding enough liquid to it. now when i make one packet, i use a ton of liquid, it absorbs it ALL up in the microwave and it almost fills the entire bowl. seriously i am always shocked at how much a packet makes when the oats absorb all the liquid and get really puffy. i realized that i wasn''t really cooking it enough previously so they never got quite puffy enough. but you may not like the puffy texture.

who knew oatmeal was so personal .... we''re on page two of this thread...hehe. i love oatmeal and could eat it almost any which way, even undercooked, i did for years!

lol, I know.... *off to the microwave*

Here''s what I am trying today....

1. add hot water from coffee faucet

2. let stand 2 mins

3. Microwave on 6,7 3 mins

4. add boat load of brown sugar

5. eat

Any suggestions?

 

[ljmorgan]

Steel cut oats are the way to go. If you don''t have time in the mornings before work, make a larger batch the night before, and nuke a portion in the morning. For breakfast I have been having a bowl of steel cut oats with honey, walnuts, and dried cherries. It is the best!

As far as normal vs. instant, people debate the nutritional value, but I figure I will err on the side of less processed.

 

[iwannaprettyone]

ahhhhh, i am going to have to by instant.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 12/11/2007 9:34:59 AM
Author: iwannaprettyone

Date: 12/11/2007 1:57:04 AM

Author: Mara

good point Mini for sure re enough liquid.


zoe, i used to think that one packet was not enough, but really i found that i was not adding enough liquid to it. now when i make one packet, i use a ton of liquid, it absorbs it ALL up in the microwave and it almost fills the entire bowl. seriously i am always shocked at how much a packet makes when the oats absorb all the liquid and get really puffy. i realized that i wasn't really cooking it enough previously so they never got quite puffy enough. but you may not like the puffy texture.


who knew oatmeal was so personal .... we're on page two of this thread...hehe. i love oatmeal and could eat it almost any which way, even undercooked, i did for years!

lol, I know.... *off to the microwave*


Here's what I am trying today....


1. add hot water from coffee faucet


2. let stand 2 mins


3. Microwave on 6,7 3 mins


4. add boat load of brown sugar


5. eat


Any suggestions?

Well, I first read that as you microwaving your oatmeal on level 6 for 73 minutes, so I was going to suggest you...not do that. Unless you aren't making breakfast, but building a patio or something instead.

 

[iwannaprettyone]

hehe, it was not chewy today...more like wallpaper paste.

 

[Mara]

haha i wanna...have you ever had oatmeal you really liked? if so, describe it here. what are you looking for? maybe that will help people steer you in the right direction for cooking. maybe microwaving is not the way to go for you. maybe tomorrow try nuking the water and then adding it in and mixing. i know i def love the sticky puffy texture it gets from the microwave but i also love cream of wheat and i know a lot of people dont like that either. hahah. .

maybe you just aren''t meant to be an oatmeal lover???

 

[Miscka]

Date: 12/11/2007 10:37:22 AM
Author: Mara
haha i wanna...have you ever had oatmeal you really liked? if so, describe it here. what are you looking for? maybe that will help people steer you in the right direction for cooking. maybe microwaving is not the way to go for you. maybe tomorrow try nuking the water and then adding it in and mixing. i know i def love the sticky puffy texture it gets from the microwave but i also love cream of wheat and i know a lot of people dont like that either. hahah. .

maybe you just aren''t meant to be an oatmeal lover???

Oh! Oh! I do!!! I loove Cream of Wheat!

Iwanna I had oatmeal this morning and thought of your thread! Good luck, keep trying different methods and you will find one you like. If not there is always Cream of Wheat

 

[Mara]

mmmm cream of wheat with a little brown sugar on top and cinnamon raisin toast with butter to dip in and scoop. MY FAVE. it''s one of those childhood things. too bad COW has like really no nutritional value at all. ah well, can''t win them all.

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Date: 12/11/2007 10:37:22 AM
Author: Mara
haha i wanna...have you ever had oatmeal you really liked? if so, describe it here. what are you looking for? maybe that will help people steer you in the right direction for cooking. maybe microwaving is not the way to go for you. maybe tomorrow try nuking the water and then adding it in and mixing. i know i def love the sticky puffy texture it gets from the microwave but i also love cream of wheat and i know a lot of people dont like that either. hahah. .

maybe you just aren''t meant to be an oatmeal lover???

Yep, when I was a kid mum would make it in a pot with 1/2 water, 1/2 semi skimmed milk with Brown sugar on top. I remember it being soft, fluffy and moist, definatley not chewy or goopy.

 

[Linda W]

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, I love Cream of Wheat too. It has to be made with milk though. Topped with brown sugar. Yummmmmy, Nummmmy.

Linda

 

[Linda W]

Mara,

I thought Cream of Wheat was loaded with Iron???

Linda

 

[zdrastvootya]

Date: 12/10/2007 4:25:39 PM
Author: Mara
Dr Z says:

I don''t use quick or instant oatmeal - I''ve heard they''re less good (as Mara mentioned) for you since the oats are treated with heat to make them cook quicker.

....

Which is something I have read as well but then you mention that you microwave them. So isn''t that treating them with heat to kill all the good ingredients, if you subscribe to that train of thought?

Personally I don''t subscribe...because I have read mixed reviews on instant vs regular by actual nutritionists and if it''s something they can''t agree on, I can only go from what my body tells me which is that I am getting the nutrients and the filling aspect so a low-sugar high-protein instant fits the bill for me.

But anyway, just thought it was funny that you wrote that you don''t use instant because it isn''t as good for you but then your post is how to microwave the regular...hehe.

For those who pour super boiling hot water into their oatmeal, have you ever tried microwaving it? I have tried it both ways and prefer the puffy, chewy texture of microwaving it (the oats get their fattest in the microwave from what I can tell)...though iwanna you might not like thick chewy, so you might like to microwave the water alone then mix.

I guess no one wants to eat raw oats (except horses?)! Someone mentioned a possible "clogging" problem?

Here''s a theory. Let''s say "pre-heating" to make quick or instant removes 25% of the nutrients, and microwaving or cooking removes 25%. You have 50% of your nutrients, and I have an astounding 75% of my nutrients. I win! I have more nutrients! (maybe I shouldn''t make this a zero-sum game)

Who knows what happens in the real world?

Unless you''re saying microwaving destroys more nutrients than stove-top? It''s all heating to me.

Z.


ps. I wonder if Cream of Wheat should have it''s own thread?

 

[Mara]

Dr Z says:

Unless you''re saying microwaving destroys more nutrients than stove-top? It''s all heating to me.

______________

I agree...it''s all heating to me too.

Who really knows what %% of nutrients is kept or lost in the cooking process. No REAL scientific studies yet from what I can tell (Googling brings up contradictory results). That''s why I don''t believe the hype about not using instant. If you read what some say about why old fashioned is better, it''s because supposedly less processed retains more of the natural ability of the oats to puff while cooking and therefore puff in your stomach and make you feel full longer. But I feel just as full with instant vs regular. And again, I go off nutritonals on the containers, and sometimes I find that my instant (depending on brand) has MORE nutrients than regular Quaker or similar. So I''m going to go for more fiber and protein than some nebulous %% of fullness. hehee.

Bottom line...oatmeal rocks and so does cream of wheat. WHEE.

 

[Julianna]

Date: 12/11/2007 10:37:22 AM
Author: Mara
haha i wanna...have you ever had oatmeal you really liked? if so, describe it here. what are you looking for? maybe that will help people steer you in the right direction for cooking. maybe microwaving is not the way to go for you. maybe tomorrow try nuking the water and then adding it in and mixing. i know i def love the sticky puffy texture it gets from the microwave but i also love cream of wheat and i know a lot of people dont like that either. hahah. .

maybe you just aren''t meant to be an oatmeal lover???

OH I loooove me some Cream o Wheat! just had some this morning. Mmmm so hot and delish.

And I do microwave my Cream of Wheat, else it''d take forever.

 

[zoebartlett]

I love cream of wheat, probably more than oatmeal. There are days I can''t get oatmeal down. This is weird but I even love the little lumps in cream of wheat (same for mashed potatoes, for that matter). I heard that oatmeal is healthier than cream of wheat though, so I don''t have it all the time. I love a little bit of maple syrup and/or dried cranberries in it.

 

[iwannaprettyone]

Success!

I brought a larger bowl, did boiling water on dry oats and let sit for 10 mins and then nuked for 2 mins. Adding a touch of brown sugar and YUM YUM...wish I had some milk though hehe

 

[mirre]

Congrats Iwanna! Bring you a little carton of half and half to work and leave it in the fridge if you have one... pour a little splash in it afterwards and I bet it would be JUST PERFECT!

I LOVE Cream of Wheat too! They even started making Maple and Brown Sugar flavored. The best way I found to make it is heat the water in the microwave then pour my COW in while stirring and let it sit stirring occasionaly, then add a tiny bit of milk to make it creamy... YUM! Also to the poster who likes the little lumps in the COW... That''s my favorite part too.

As for oatmeal I have yet to find the perfect way to eat it. There for awhile I was eating it at work and it kept me full til lunchtime so I need to buy more. What I did was bring a ziplock bag that I had put one or two (can''t remember) packets of Maple and Brown Sugar intant oats in along with some old fashioned rolled oats and then a little extra brown sugar! YUM! I may have to try the pouring the water over it then microwaving it. Also I would pour a little half and half in it.

I believe half and half keeps longer than milk... seemed like each time I bought it the expiration date was always around 2 to 2 1/2 weeks away! That makes for lots of oats and coffee.

Lots of good ideas here in this thread I will have to attempt to make "the perfect bowl of oatmeal". I''m not a big fan of oatmeal but it''s better than just a little breakfast bar I suppose... I''m more of a rice person (I''m spoiled to my grandma''s rice! Butter and Evaporated milk for thickness and some regular milk

. Mine just doesn''t compare.)

 

[Gypsy]

YAY I wanna!! Congrats on good breakfast cereal. I agree about a touch of half and half adding a LOT of richness. At our cafe at work they do steel cut oat meal slow cooked in water and I add a little milk or (if I''m feeling really indulgent) half and half and it makes it just that much better!

 

[elemenope]

I know it''s been a while since this was brought up, but I think I have the solution for the home oatmeal cooks- a rice cooker. Mine does steel cut oats (and cream of wheat) AMAZINGLY- puffy, sticky, nutty, with real body. I just put a cup of oats in at night with a 2.5 cups of water and set the timer for the morning. I get to wake up to perfectly cooked steel cut oats that I mix with a little milk, raisins and granola. It''s wonderful and couldn''t be easier.

Of course, for those of you "cooking" your breakfast at work, I don''t know how professional a rice maker looks on a desk (maybe pass it off as a new paperweight?).

 

[perry]

Basic Cooking instructions for "Old Fashion Rolled Oats":

1 portion rolled oats, 2 portions water in a small sauce pan
(I like using measuring cups, 1/2 cup works well for most).
This makes thick oatmeal, for thin use 2.5 parts water.

Stir with spoon to ensure even wetting of the oats.

Put pan on burner - turn to high.

Stir when it starts to boil.

When you get the "popping" bubbles remove from burner and let sit for a few minutes.

Add whatever spices you want:

I add rasiens after I remove it from the burner; and sometimes other
things (cinnimen; try a pinch of nutmeg some time too).

Milk can be substituted for the water; but, alas I cannot eat dairy products.


Do not start with hot water.

Do not start with a red hot burner (electric) or a high flame (gas).


If you must microwave (as I do when traveling).

Put oats and water in bowl (I use a heavy duty paper bowl).

Stir with spoon to get even wetting of the oats.

Microwave for 30 - 45 seconds, stir.

Microwave for 30 - 45 seconds, stir.

Microwave for 30 - 45 seconds, stir.

Etc until done.

Microwave old fashion oats done this way will not be smooth or nice as
it will be via cooking in a pan. But, you can do fairly well (even in the cheap
microwaves in most hotel rooms).

Hope that helps, and enjoy your oatmeal.

Perry