Oats, Oats, Oats!

Oats...Not many other foods come to mind that are so comforting, and yet so versatile at the same time.  I have many memories of eating instant oatmeal growing up - warm, sweet and who am I kidding:  who doesn't love the variety flavor pack?!  As I became older I started following in my mom's footsteps and began experimenting with old fashioned oats for a chewier oatmeal consistency.   Without the packets, I could be creative with not only the amount of sugar I added,  but also with fun add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries or chocolate chips!

Even though I like good bowl of oatmeal every now and then, I honestly am more apt to choose dry cereal simply for the convenience.  If you're like me and short on time in the morning, but still want a hearty breakfast, an easy go-to are overnight oats.  You mix your ingredients in a mug or blender bottle the night before, and in the a.m. you can run out the door with your breakfast in hand!  Last week I slept through my alarm (to be honest, this is probably a weekly occurrence), but thankfully I was still able to fuel up for the day because I had oats "to-go" waiting for me in the fridge!  The recipe was from Pinterest (Healthy Cookie Dough Overnight Oats) and my only recommendation would be it needed some other sweetness - possibly scratching the maple syrup and subbing in vanilla yogurt!?  I may play around with this one again :-)  

Another way to enjoy oats outside of the breakfast realm is to experiment with savory flavors.  This Pinterest recipe (Savory Oatmeal Bake) was so delicious it's hard to describe in words.  If you love any of the following ingredients:  turkey sausage, oatmeal, cheese, red peppers, onion, among others - you are sure to LOVE just as much as my family did!  With Eli starting to eat more solid foods, you betcha he got his fill of this one!  I also know a recipe is a hit when my husband enjoys it by the bowl-ful.

 #MomWin 

#WifeWin

Both of my recipes above used old-fashioned oats, which is pretty typical here in the U.S.  (The most common ways Americans consume oats are instant, quick or old fashioned).  These types of oats are cut from the original whole-grain kernels called 'groats.'  However, if you've been to the grocery store ANY time during the past year, you may have seen a number of items labeled "Steel-cut oats."  If you're  thinking "What are those?!" you are not alone.  Rather than being cut from the original grain, steel-cut oats are instead crushed and ground into small grain pieces.  They take much longer to cook (roughly ~20-30 minutes) and have a heartier, nuttier texture.  If the term "Steel-cut" is unfamiliar to you, it is possible you may have heard or seen them labeled as 'Scottish' or 'Irish oatmeal'.  In regards to the nutrition profile, all oats are practically identical in calories, fat, protein, etc.  For me, the standout nutrient for oats is the soluble fiber, which research has shown may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease.  

Since oats were our "Dietitian Pick of the Month" at work, I decided to go all-out and not only experiment with new recipes, but FINALLY try Steel-Cut oats!  What can I say, even as a Dietitian, sometimes we, too, are behind on food trends.   As I was walking the store at work and updating signage, I took note to this item in the breakfast aisle.  (One of the many perks to working in a grocery store - you are always the first to see new products)!   

As mentioned above, Steel-Cut oats take roughly 30 minutes to cook, so I was intrigued by this quick 3-minute product from Quaker.  I unfortunately do not have a photo of the finished product, but I will admit it did NOT disappoint!  I am a huge texture person, and I loved how different it was from traditional instant oatmeal.  The only downfall I had with this product was that it only kept me full for a few hours (not through lunch like I'd hoped)!  In the future, I'll pair it with protein (like eggs) and possibly a side of fruit to help steer away from mid morning hunger when I don't have a snack ready.

However you enjoy your oatmeal - for breakfast, at dinner, or even as a delicious topping for desserts - I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and try something new like I did this month.  I never would have guessed a savory oatmeal bake would be one of my new favorite dishes to prepare for my family.  And who knows - .maybe your next trial recipe will continue to stay on your breakfast, lunch or dinner rotation at home for years to come!