On cool mornings like today, I often wake up with a hankering for a hearty bowl of delicious, steamy oatmeal. What is it that makes oatmeal so desirable, and keeps me coming back for more?
It all stems back from the carefree days of childhood. When I was hardly old enough to make my own breakfast, my mom would whip up a warm bowl of oatmeal on cold mornings. I am not sure what motivated me to eat the oatmeal more; the taste or the fact that you could send your collection of empty packets to Quaker Oats to redeem free prizes. My favorite prize was a green bowl that changed colors based on the temperature of its contents.
Fond memories, in addition to the hearty consistency, make oatmeal my ultimate comfort food in cool wintry months. It satisfies my taste buds, provides excellent nutrition and warms me from the inside out.
In honor of this heart-healthy breakfast, I have gathered a list of 4 reasons why I celebrate the gooey existence of oatmeal.
1.) The delicious factor
There would be no reason to celebrate a food that is not completely scrumptious. Oatmeal is tasty and I love its ooey gooey texture. I think it is delicious; enough said.
2.) Nutrition
I have always heard that oatmeal is healthy, and accepted this idea as fact. It always filled me up, gave me energy and kept my digestive system functioning in tip-top shape. I knew it was full of fiber, whole-grains and good carbohydrates, but I decided to do a little more research to find out what makes oatmeal as nutritious as everyone says it is.
According to Eat More Oats, oatmeal has the potential to reduce cholesterol. It is full of soluble fiber, which traps bile and reduces cholesterol’s ability to seep into the bloodstream. Oatmeal is also capable of slowing blood sugar absorption, and helps control blood glucose and insulin levels. Its high level of antioxidants may also help prevent clogged arteries.
3.) Variety
It is the perfect base for which to add a variety of flavors and toppings. Every morning, oatmeal can take on a different look and new taste. My favorite ways to mix up my oats is to add peanut butter, banana, honey, strawberries, cherries, chocolate protein powder, nuts or apples. There are endless combinations to keep it interesting and to create a unique breakfast that warms the body from the inside out.
4. ) Mom’s Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal is very resourceful. Think about it; what other breakfast food is frequently used to make cookies?
My mom makes the best oatmeal cookies, with applesauce. She found it on the lid to a Quaker Oats tin, and has been making them for years. They are incredibly moist, and are best eaten straight from the oven, in fall months such as this. Enjoy.
Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) margarine, softened
2 tablespoons heat-stable sugar substitute equal to 3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup egg substitute or 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate (thawed)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1-1/2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1/3 cup raisins, chopped
Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.
In large bowl, beat margarine and sweetener or sugar until creamy. Add egg substitute; beat well. Add applesauce, apple juice concentrate and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets.
Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until firm to the touch and light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.
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