Steel Cut Oats

SO if you are a fan of Dr. Oz like I am you have definitely heard him talk about eating Steel Cut Oats. I believe he eats them most mornings and when given the chance goes on and on about how much he loves them. Basically steel cut oats are the purest of all the oats. They are an incredible source of fiber...which is really good for your heart and clearing/cleaning your arteries. Plus they keep you satisfied come lunch...which I need to in order to control the snack monster.

About a year and half ago I decided to welcome them into our life...reluctantly. I mean you all understand...we come from the generation of IF we ate oatmeal it had all these yummy goodies in it like maple and brown sugar...peaches and cream...colored swirls...and the list could go on. But in an attempt to cut out processed foods (another post) I tried to let go of the instant sugar oats and embrace the real stuff.

After Whit and I got married we started eating them on a regular basis...but honestly there was something that was missing...Whit really enjoyed them but I just couldn't commit to it. We would add different things like blueberries, chopped apples, walnuts, cinnamon (not altogether)...which were yummy...but it was still lacking. Until that blessed day.

While Whit was out of town a couple weeks ago I decided to try something a little different. Whit and I now use rice milk as our "milk" substitute (before you turn your nose up...it's actually really good...but again that's another post)...so one morning I decided to make the steel cut oats with this instead. We use the vanilla flavored rice milk...so that adds a little goodness. It’s very low calorie and has great nutrients...minus the dairy...we try to limit our "cow" intake.  Let me just say that this revolutionized my steel cut oat experience. It is fab.u.lous. They had so much more flavor...they were softer...it actually felt like I was eating oatmeal again. If you would like to give them a try here you go.

The recipe is the most simple.

1 cup steel cut oats (I like to use Bob’s Red Mill or I scoop it out myself at Whole Foods. Price wise they are about the same.)

3 cups rice milk (We use Rice Dream Vanilla- it is not refrigerated at the grocery)

Bring the oats to a boil and then cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes. (You’ll be able to tell when the texture is right.)

Stir frequently...every 5 minutes or so.

Add any yummy toppings: Blueberries, Walnuts, Cinnamon, Apples, Almond Slivers...Banana...the list is endless...well you probably want to skip on the chocolate chips:)

I like to make a BIG batch on Sunday and then you can store the rest in the refrigerator and just warm up in the morning! It helps you out on time!

Let me know if you tried it and what you thought!