Breakfast: Steel Cut Oats Recipe

We've all heard it... "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"... Well, it IS!
Part of eating on a schedule is making sure we eat a good breakfast. Eating breakfast not only breaks our nighttime fast, but it also jump-starts our metabolism, and helps to set us up for successful healthy eating for the day.

A breakfast that includes whole grains and complex carbohydrates is a great way to start the day. It will help keep you full, and give you the energy you need in the mornings. Some of the biggest excuses I've heard (and used) for skipping breakfast, is that "my morning is just too busy!" or "I didn't have time." or "I simply forgot." The remedy? Consider making healthy breakfasts ahead of time, so that there is very little prep-work in the morning.


One of the things I like to eat is Steel Cut Oats. It is a whole grain, and it is very filling. I can make a big batch of it, portion it out, and put the portions in the fridge until I am ready to eat them. Just pop it in the microwave for a minute or so, and it's ready! You can find steel cut oats in most grocery stores near the hot cereals. I like to buy them from the bulk bin at the local Winco food store.

I made a batch this morning, and had a nice little bowl sitting there all ready for a picture.... but my camera is nowhere to be found. Oops!

Here is a basic recipe for Steel Cut Oats

1 cup steel cut oats
3 cups water
1/4 tsp. salt

Bring 3 cups of water and the salt to a boil.
Add steel cut oats. Cover and cook for 10-20 minutes (depending on how chewy you like your cereal).
Stir occasionally.
Remove from heat and let stand covered for a few minutes.
Makes 3 cups.

Crockpot Directions: Simply put all ingredients in the crockpot and cook it 8 hours on low. If you do this before bed, a nice hot meal will be waiting for you when you wake up!

Variations: I like to use 1/2 milk and 1/2 water for the liquid in this recipe. I know it adds calories, but it also adds nutrients and it gives the oats a nice creaminess.
You can also add:
a sweetener like Splenda, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey;
dried fruit like raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, or dried berries;
fresh fruit or berries;
nuts like sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans;
spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.
The possibilities are endless.