The Creamiest Dreamiest Oatmeal on a Cold Sunday

Today is the start of Daylight Savings but the weather is still blah. On days like this, I like to start out with a warm bowl of oatmeal. Aside from using a slow cooker, I think I have perfected the best and creamiest oatmeal. Instead of using water, I subtitute unsweetened almond milk. You can use vanilla unsweetened or plain unsweetened. Using this method, you will need to add slightly more oatmeal than the directions on the oatmeal. If not it may come out too watery.

I use the old fasthoned oats, not the quick oats for this. I't’s also very import to allow the oats to cook for the full five minutes after the boil. This way they expand and soften up to their best consistency.

Don’t like almond milk? Neither do I. I think it is too watery to drink by the glass. However, it is great to use in smoothies and in oatmeal. It does not add any flavor to speak of. What it does add is a mere 30 calories, zero grams of saturated fat, no sugar. For women almond milk provides 15% of your Vitamin D and 35% calcium which is the same or more as regular milk - essential nutrients for us.

I usually just buy the Walmart brand and another cool thing about oat/nut/organic milks is that the expiration dates are usually 3x longer than regular milk. No more dumping expired milk down the drain.

Want to go ever creamier? Add an egg white to the liquid at the start (before boiling point). This adds 17 calories and 4 grams of protein! Trust me, this will take you to oatmeal nirvana.

Since eggs are so expennsive now, let’s look at other sources of protein since the almond milk adds very little. You could add a scoop of protein powder. I use Further Food Collagen Peptide in Vanilla - it is the perfect vanilla that is not too sweet. It is a little more expensive but I have found other brands to taste just sweet and not vanilla-y. A tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax will add both protein and fiber. Walmart has ground flax as part of their Great Value brand. Be sure to get ground flax as the whole seeds are not easily digestible. NOTE: Ground flax should be refridgerated after opening. I buy these chia seeds at Walmart and this container will last for months. Another bonus: If your oatmeal comes out too watery, chia seeds or ground flax will thicken it up. They are both used to thicken up overnight oats.

Toppings can be whatever you want. I typically cut up an apple for more fiber or use this Triple Berry Super Antioxidant Mix from Nuts.com. I am unsure of the “added sugar” content so only enough to flavor. It contains blend of mulberries, goji berries, and gooseberries. I am big fan of mulberries after having them True Food Kitchen in Phoenix (wish they had a branch out here!). Then a few sprinkles of cinnamon for the finishing touch.

Since today feels so dreary, I am taken back to sweet thoughts of Christmas with a cup of Harney’s Holiday tea. Harney’s has the best teas and are used in upscale coffee shops and restaurants. Though the pricing through their website is reasonable and they have a lot of specials. I add some of these teas as complimentary in the Zandy Castle. Hope my fellow oatmeal connoisseurs enjoyed this. Please note the links are provided as informational, I do NOT receive any money if you click on them.