I am ashamed to admit that I had never eaten old-fashioned/rolled oats (as in breakfast, not including use in recipes) until about a month ago.  I always used the quick kind that could be heated in the microwave in a minute.  I had NO idea what I was missing!!  True old-fashioned oatmeal isn’t mushy, it’s chewy and hearty and so much more pleasing to the palate and tummy.  I was hooked and used every last bit I had on hand before I took my trip out to CT.  I have since restocked and am ready to have at it again!

This recipe I found in the latest issue of Cooking Light (which I bought the day I decided to start this blog and before I learned about the advanced recipe search online thus eliminating my need to search through mags).  As such, this recipe is not yet listed online, so I’ll transcribe from the latest issue.

Cooking Light, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009
Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

  • 3  3/4 c. water
  • 1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2/3 c. toasted wheat germ
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 c. sliced bananas (about 2)
  • 3 tbsp.  brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. butter

Preparation

 Combine the first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 6 minutes or until thick and thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat.  Divide cereal evenly among 3 bowls.  Top each serving with 1/2 c. banana, 1 tbsp. brown sugar and 1 tsp. butter.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 336
Fat: 8.4g
Protein:12.1g
Carbohydrate: 59.1g
Fiber: 8.3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Iron: 3.9mg
Sodium: 226mg
Calcium: 35mg

Notes:

Made as directed, no changes.

Verdict:

Whenever I make oatmeal, I usually also cook a couple slices of turkey bacon as I need something salty (remember, I’m a savory breakfast gal)and I need something with a fair amount of protein in the morning otherwise I end up being hungry a couple hours later.  However, the wheat germ in this recipe adds some protein, fat and fiber and held me over for many hours.  In fact, I only ate 1/2 of my oatmeal and still didn’t eat lunch until almost 2 pm as I found the slices of turkey bacon and oatmeal were exceedingly filling.  The flavors were a little muted and I prefer my oatmeal to be a little bit sweeter (either in the way of more brown sugar or maple).  My husband, a big fan of hot cereal, enjoyed this quite a bit and I’ll probably make this version with the wheat germ and bananas again.  It’s a hearty, filling breakfast alright!

Update: Because I forgot to take pics yesterday morning when I made this and didn’t realize until it was dark (I hate using flash), I decided to shoot the above pics using our leftovers his morning tand we both agreed that it was even better the 2nd day – as if the brown sugar blossomed.  Yum!