I forgot that I love oatmeal. How do you forget that you love something? When I awoke this morning it was sooo cold. I always leave the windows open at night and then shut them when I get up in the morning to trap the cool air in. When I came down (it was early, early) it was absolutely freezing. So much so that when I went out to free the chickens I was actually afraid to look at the garden. Thankfully the tomatoes just nodded a cheery good morning, completely oblivious to the cold, and to the nervousness of my glances.
All that said, it was hours later that I became hungry and thought of my long lost comfort food. My chilly toes and fingers prompted the thought.
Here's why I love oatmeal: I always have it in the pantry. The only other ingredients I need are water, salt, milk, brown sugar and maybe cinnamon (though I do love diced apple too when I have it). It's warm. It's attractive when prepared right. Most importantly, it's delicious!
I've totally choreographed the simple preparation and eating routine~
Bring to a boil 1cup water
1/2 cup oatmeal *old fashioned, not quick oats
1/8 teaspoon salt
Reduce heat to simmer. Add lid. Cook for 8 minutes.
Spoon into a bowl adding dark brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour milk around the edge (not on top). Now comes the important part. DO NOT STIR! Gently poke around to incorporate flavors and textures. If you stir it all up it becomes the mush that so many despise.
This is seriously good stuff. Trust me...
Blessings, Debbie
Debbie I love your oatmeal and your cool kitchen. B
ReplyDeleteWhen I left the comment it disappeared, so please delete one if two appear! First, I love your vintage tiles and cute cow picture! Secondly it's nice to read that it's cool in some part of the country. And lastly, I agree about the stirring in the goodies part. It's so nice to get a spoonful that is 50/50 oatmeal and brown sugar!
ReplyDeleteYum! Yum! Yum! I love it, too. I'd eat some right now but I'm having a teacher friend over for coffee and I shall make my favorite almond pastry and eat way too much of it instead. I love your little nook! I can tell your house is warm and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Oatmeal is a favorite of mine too!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I had missed this post, glad I clicked on the blog name rather than the latest title, this popped up. I love oatmeal too, it is the ultimate breakfast comfort food that is good for us. Your dining area looks warm and welcoming too! xo,
ReplyDeleteNow that looks like comfort to me...send your cool weather down here...we are in the 100 plus and continuing..one of the hottest summers in years.
ReplyDeleteLove your welcoming table.
My family and I feel the same way about soup. We can eat it anytime of the day. Such comfort comes from a warm breakfast. I have never eaten oatmeal-- can you believe it? Thank you for the recipe. Such a lovely view you have to eat your breakfast!
ReplyDeleteYou know I had to smile because I forget I love oatmeal too! I love mine with maple syrup. But it has not been chilly enough here to want it hot for breakfast. Kefir with fresh blueberries and granola is what tastes good on these simmering days.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me want Oatmeal... mmmm looks so good!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love wholegrain oatmeal and prefer it to any other breakfast.
ReplyDeleteAnd...just have to say...your blog name gets a chuckle out of me every time I see it!
Oh, yes. I agree. LOVE oatmeal! Such a great and healthy comfort food. Yum!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cozy post today! It was 74 degrees when I awoke at 5 a.m. this morning!
ReplyDeleteMy late mom loved oatmeal, made just the way you describe here. She would cringe if someone tried to stir it for her!!!
Your breakfast nook is so inviting and bright. You must love watching the birds while enjoying a hearty bowl of oatmeal.
Enjoy your afternoon.
That looks seriously delicious. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how cool it is in your neck of the woods!! The oatmeal sounds delicious, but I'm sticking to cold cereal for a few more months down this way! LOL! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteI love oatmeal, too - and I'm so glad Bob's Red Mill has a gluten free variety. I use it for everything - all my baking (ground up in a coffee mill) and my own yummy bowls in the winter! Thanks for sharing a favorite thing!
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Miss Kathy
Well, obviously bring Scottish means I love oatmeal. It is the ultimate in comfort food when done properly. My grandfather was a purist - only salt was added and the milk was served in a separate bowl - each spoonful of oatmeal was dunked in the milk. But I add lots of things. Grated apple, mixed spice and honey is my favourite. I only give mine 4 minutes, but I used medium oatmeal, rather than rolled oats. it's a great bedtime snack too. xx
ReplyDeleteMe too! Mine's in a big container like yours also...mine is plastic, and an old pretzel container. I can't imagine a cold morning right now though....we won't get that in DE until after Halloween. love,andrea
ReplyDeleteSomething about oatmeal which means that it does get forgotten from time to time. Makes the rediscovery even better. I love making it in the winter. Somehow it sets me up for the rest of the day. Yum.
ReplyDeleteWe are big oatmeal people here, too, although we get out of the morning ritual during the summer. I must admit even though it's 3pm you've given me a hankering for some oatmeal. Mmm.
ReplyDeleteI love warm cooked over the stove top oat meal too.. JUST made oat meal cookies for the first time since leaving in Cabo - and the only thing I had to add more of was flour - but trying to find brown sugar was like trying to fine a needle in the hay -- needless to say I had to make my own brown sugar -- they were good - wink!
ReplyDeleteI am one of those that still hates it! Maybe if you served it to me, I might eat it!! Since childhood, I have not be able to even smell it! ;D
ReplyDeleteI ate oatmeal as a child and can't stand it. The texture is what gets to me. But I like it in granola, cookies, crumbles and any other way. I do cook it for my husband sometimes.
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteMmm, oatmeal! :) Lately I've been making "oatmeal chocolate banana" smoothies, since it's too hot to cook it, but we love it on a cool day, too. I'm glad your garden is okay. Ours is needing water a couple of times a day, since it's almost 100 degrees!
I loved your Fourth of July post with all the patriotic decorations and fun, too. :)
Love,
Marqueta
p.s. And congratulations to the happy couple on reaching their first anniversary. May they always be blessed.
YUM!! I love the old-fashioned oats so much better. I love mine with lots of brown sugar...:)
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen looks so warm and inviting. Just like I imagined it would be!
Blessings for a beautiful day, dear friend.
xoxo...Gloria
p.s. Happy Anniversary to your daughter and son-in-law!! Congrats to them!!
Your poem was very beautiful, heartfelt, & lovely. What a sweet photo you posted to go along with it. :)
Your kitchen is beautiful. Anything you serve will be extra good in such a pleasant environment. Thanks for the prayer for my health. I appreciate it very much.........Denise
ReplyDeleteI never think of having oatmeal in the summer. I am wishing that our mornings were as cool as yours!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I can't stand cooked oatmeal even though I know how good it is for you. I tried some again not long ago but I literally 'gagged' on it. I can eat it uncooked and incoporate it in biscuits and muesli etc.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I've tried it- it was soaked overnight and 'soft'. Maybe I should try your recipe and see if that makes a difference. Maa.
Love oatmeal, in the fall and winter I eat it almost daily. Your kitchen looks so cozy. Would love some of your cool weather, we are melting out here
ReplyDeleteI love oatmeal and I cook it up all the time. (Good for people like me who are watching cholesterol numbers) I like mine plain, with skim milk. No sugar or cinnamon for me, thanks. I will often enjoy a piece of fruit at the same time, but not mixed in it.
ReplyDeleteI noticed your polish pottery pieces there on the table. I love that stuff.
PS- I want some of your cool air! We are cooking here in the middle of the country.
ReplyDeletemmm oatmeal, its certanly perfect weather for it over here. I love your idea of a post showing the the process it takes to turn my angora rabbits fur into yarn, when I finaly get to spinning it and knitting it I will be sure to take photos to share
ReplyDeleteI made oatmeal just a couple of mornings ago. I like it the same way you do. One son loves chopped apple in it so I make it that way most of the time. It's been cool (for summer) here too. I've been wearing my wool slippers with my shorts.
ReplyDelete(cute, I know)
Jody
Who wouldn't want to eat at that welcoming table? Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh I love oatmeal. Great tip about not stiring. Lately I put it in a bowl, pour some raw milk over it, wait 20 minutes and eat it, w/out cooking it. It is yummy xoxo Clarice
ReplyDeletePlease invite me. I want to sit in the warm glow of your breakfast room wood and eat OATMEAL. I LOVE oatmeal. I LOOOOOOOVe it. Just another thing I have to be careful with. I wish I loved broccoli as much -
ReplyDelete