While I thought the transition from one to two children was relatively easy, it became a logistical nightmare once I threw in a full-time job. It seems that no matter how early we get up, mornings are still rushed and hectic. Breakfast is no exception–Ava wants mac and cheese, Bryan won’t use the milk because it expires in two days, and I usually forget the Kashi bar I set aside because I didn’t have time to sit down.
Tomorrow morning, though, is going to be completely different.
Tonight, I’m making oatmeal in the slow cooker. I’m following a recipe for overnight oatmeal from Eatingwell.com. It makes enough for eight, so I’ve quartered it and implemented a bain marie (water bath) to prevent overcooking.
The trick seems to be steel cut oats, as opposed to rolled oats. I’ve never used them before, but as you can see, they’re pretty coarse. I guess this is what makes such a long cooking period possible.
I mixed a half cup of the oats with two cups of water. I tossed in diced dried apricots and a handful of raisins, too. Tomorrow, I think we’ll add a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg (hopefully) in lieu of sugar. Here’s a “before” shot–I hope the “after” looks a bit more palatable.
I’ll let you know!
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Mom on March 30, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Mom’s Version of Oatmeal the Easy Way: http://www.kashi.com/products/golean_hot_cereal_creamy_truly_vanilla
Add 2/3 cup water. Microwave one minute on high in a one-quart bowl (do not cover or you will spend the time you save cleaning up the microwave). Stir and microwave 30 seconds longer. Add dried cranberries (or other dried or fresh fruit) and (maybe) a pinch of brown sugar. Let set a minute and enjoy.
Delicious and obscenely healthy. 150 calories, 7g fiber and 9g protein = 2 WW Points (cereal w/o fruit).
Posted by Katie on March 31, 2008 at 7:28 am
So, how was it?
Posted by smithfamilyweblog on March 31, 2008 at 7:57 am
It was good! We were still late, but at least we had breakfast. I would have posted a photo, but the camera was out of batteries. (I think I left it on after this post last night.)
When I make it again, I’ll leave out the apricots–they were a bit too sweet. I think I’ll also add another 1/ 2 of water.
I offered some to Olivia, but she spit it back out. Ava, on the other hand, doused with with cinnamon and really seemed to like it.
Posted by Karyl on March 31, 2008 at 8:40 pm
There is something about oatmeal and grits – the only way to make them palatable is to add bacon grease, butter, cinnamon, cranberries, apricots, sugar, maple syrup, etc. I’ll take a bowl of Princess cereal any day.
Posted by smithfamilyweblog on April 1, 2008 at 11:36 am
The oatmeal was great!
Bryan
Posted by smithfamilyweblog on April 1, 2008 at 11:36 am
I can feel my cholesterol going down already.
Bryan