Ways To Cook Oatmeal: Quick And Easy Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Oatmeal is traditionally cooked as the picture to the right depicts. However, there are other ways to cook oatmeal. Today, as part of the culinary basics, I will give you 2 great ideas on how to bake oatmeal.

Why bake oatmeal you ask? Because actually cooking it this way allows you to cook it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. So if you are heading out in the morning and in a terrific hurry, you can basically still get your oatmeal to start the day with a healthy breakfast.

There are 2 variations and each one is equally delicious though I like the applesauce recipe best.

BAKED OATMEAL SIMPLE RECIPE

This makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 2-1/4 cups quick oats OR 2-3/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar - light or dark
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt if desired
• 3-1/3 cups non-fat milk
• 4 egg whites slightly beaten - or 1/2 cup egg substitute - or 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• Maple syrup or non-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt if desired

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray 8-inch square pan with cooking spray
3. In large bowl, combine oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt. Mix well.
4. In another medium sized bowl, combine milk, egg whites or egg, oil, vanilla. Mix well.
5. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until well blended.
6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake uncovered 55-60 minutes. Center should be firm to touch.
7. Cool slightly before serving - or store in the fridge. Keeps covered in the fridge for 2-4 days. Top with syrup or yogurt, fruit if desired.

From the Everyday Gourmet Diabetes Cookbook

• Oat flour may be substituted for up to 1/3 of the required whole wheat flour in baked goods.
• 1 pound old-fashioned rolled oats = 5 to 5-3/4 cups
• 1 cup rolled oats = 1-3/4 cups cooked
• 1 cup raw rolled oats = 3 ounces
• You can make your own oat flour by grinding oats in the food processor or blender
  

This is a Weight Watchers recipe and is a 3 pointer!  This recipe will make 8 servings as well or at least 6 if you use a regular sized muffin pan

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups quick oats (or use old-fashioned)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup skim/non-fat milk
• 1/2 cup egg substitute - or 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup raisins - or substitute dried blueberries or cranberries
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Using vegetable spray, lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate, muffin tins, or an 8-inch pan.
3. Mix oatmeal and baking powder.
4. Add in remaining ingredients and mix well.
5. Pour oatmeal mixture into desired pan.
6. Bake 45 minutes.

With a little prep work, you can bake up some oatmeal for breakfast and have it ready for a nutritious morning meal! This is a perfect recipe for folks on the go and people with all the demands of young children in the mornings.

Yet another way to make great oatmeal and do it ahead is to do crock pot oatmeal!

Oatmeal is a great part of the culinary basics and a super food when it comes to creating healthy recipes.

Be creative and add nuts and other things to your baked oatmeal - most of all, enjoy!

Here's a great website for recipes for grains

Check here for healthy oatmeal recipes

Here's all about storage and oatmeal