Steel Cut Oatmeal-Updated

Everyone has had oatmeal, but not everyone has enjoyed a steaming, creamy, comforting bowl of steel cut oatmeal. Steel cut oats are much more dense and have a chewier texture than your standard rolled oats. Instead of steaming the oats and rolling them flat, they are run whole through a steel blade and cut into very thin pieces resulting in a better texture, flavor and higher nutritional value due to less processing. Oats are full of B vitamins, fiber, manganese, selenium and many other important nutrients. Eating a diet high in whole grains helps prevent cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, childhood asthma AND it is a great whole grain alternative for those of you who have children who suffer from autism, celiac disease or other illnesses that are complicated by the consumption of wheat/gluten products. So, where do you find steel cut oats? You can find them in virtually any major grocery store, but the best tip I can give you is to buy them in the bulk section of your store. I pay between $.59-$.79/lb! This is an inexpensive grain that you just can't afford not to feed your family. I started my son on this cereal when he was about 8 months old and he just gobbles it up. It is even a standard request at snack time in our home!

Oatmeal
1 C. steel cut oats
4 C. water
1 TBS. real unsalted butter
1/2 C. smashed walnuts(let your children smash them in a ziploc with a wooden hammer)
1/2 C. raisins(or cherries/cranberries...no sugar added)
1-2 TBS. molasses*
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 C. milk
Honey, agave/maple syrup or brown sugar to taste. Add more milk to your desired consistency.

**It has just been brought to my attention that I completely neglected to tell you how to make this!

In a medium pot, combine water and oats. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until oats are thick and creamy, about 15-20minutes. Then add it the remaining ingredients and serve warm with extra milk on the side.
Add ons: this is a great way to get extra nutrients into your children to start their day. Add strawberries, blueberries, bananas, etc. You can also try adding a spoonful of peanut butter instead of walnuts, sunflower seeds, or any other nuts to create variety. Try adding a couple tablespoons of real pumpkin and pumpkin pie seasoning for an amazing new flavor!

*Thanks to Miss Jan, my favorite nutritionist friend, my family now enjoys the taste and health benefits of blackstrap molasses. It is a great source of iron, calcium and is one of the best mineral dense natural sweetners available containing copper,potassium and magnesium. It's a great way to add sweetness AND fulfill health requirements for your little ones. Start with one tablespoon and increase as you become accustomed to the flavor. Yum!


Tip: Make a large batch and store(before adding fruit toppings) in the refrigerator. It reheats with a little milk beautifully for mornings on the go.