Wanna get organized? Wanna do something good for yourself? Want this to be the best week ever? Okay, then. Go do this right now. Put 2 cups of steel-cut oats in a medium pot. Add 8 cups water and a couple pinches of salt. Bring to a boil, stir it around a couple times, then remove from heat and cover. Now, go to bed, relax with a book, watch The Theory of Everything. Do whatever it is you’re gonna do this afternoon and evening. The oatmeal will wait.
Tomorrow morning, pack up the oatmeal and stick it in the fridge. If you want to be really organized, you can divide your oatmeal into individual portions for the rest of the week. Good for you! But sometimes I just stick the whole pot in the fridge. That’s okay too because you just made yourself a delicious whole grain breakfast you can adapt all week long.
In the AMs, add a splash of water to the oatmeal and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You’re welcome.
Some ideas to keep it exciting:
Bananas, Walnuts and Honey
This was my breakfast probably 80% of days during culinary school. Try this: Go ahead and dump the bananas in the oatmeal while you reheat. They take on a sticky sweetness that can not be beat.
Savory-Style
Cheddar, fried egg, scallions. Start here, and when you get more brave add sautéed mushrooms, bacon, etc.
Mixed Nuts and Maple
Toasted or not, some chopped nuts and a drizzle of maple is a texture lover's dream come true. Or, go the cacao nibs and figs route, pictured above.
Greek Yogurt and Jam
Dollop of the good stuff, swirl of raspberry (or whatever you prefer, but the red is really pretty).
Almond Butter and Jelly
You are a grown up now. Try the almond butter (but nobody’s gonna be mad if you swirl in some Skippy Crunchy).
Brown Sugar and Blueberries
It just works.
Have the best week ever!