Quick Fixes: Stovetop Oatmeal

Good Morning!

Today I am going to talk about one of our old time staples: Oatmeal. We used to eat this so often that my technique went through a lot of changes over time. I started out like many people with oatmeal packets cooked in the microwave, but those cost too much and were really, too sweet. Then I moved on to quick cook in the microwave, one bowl at a time.... I even worked out an elaborate system of 6 steps to make sure there was a big serving and it was nice and creamy. That did not last long. I tried making a big batch in the microwave, and that took a really long time (it usually boiled over, too so the mess was awful.)

Around this time I found out that the kids really liked the oatmeal cooked in milk. That made the leap to stove top seem impossible. How long was I going to need to stand there to cook it and keep it from scorching?? This was supposed to be a quick breakfast. Ughh.

Then I had an idea: powdered milk! I can do the cooking part with water and add powdered milk right before the batch is supposed to sit. It worked like a charm. It worked so well we had oatmeal all the time and I was left with extra, that I had to find something to do with! Now nobody in my house eats oatmeal, but I still love the recipes I made from the extra. So yesterday I made oatmeal to show you how I do it and I will make other things with the finished product today.

On to the recipe!




Stovetop Oatmeal



3 cups cold water (use less if you like stiff oatmeal, this makes it really creamy)
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
handful of raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
1 cup instant powdered milk

In a 2 quart saucepan add the water, oats and fruit.  Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring occasionally. Once the oats are boiling set kitchen timer for 6 minutes. Add powdered milk and stir 1 minute, the timer will now be on 5 minutes. Turn off burner, cover pot and let rest until timer goes off (5 more minutes).  Stir, and serve.


Makes 4 servings in around 10 minutes.

I didn't add fruit to this batch, since I am using it in blueberry pudding muffins today. (I'll share that tomorrow)










I hope you have a lovely morning and a lovely day.

Thoughtfully,

Kristin