Oatmeal Sundae

My Grandma Erma did groats - whole oat kernels un-flattened. My sister likes steel cut. Junk food in my childhood was instant with flavors like "peaches and cream." Now, I love, love, love Rolled OATS!

On any given morning, you can find me cooking up a pot of oats with dried cranberries and cinnamon. Topped off with a handful of walnuts, sliced banana, drizzle of honey, splash of milk and you've got my favorite everyday breakfast. The secret is to cook the dried fruit right in and resist stirring the oats too much as they plump or they'll get gummy.

On the occational morning, my kids get a spoonful of peanut butter stirred in for extra protien.

But on November days when the sun is shining and smiles seem extra wide, a special special bowl of oats seems in order. So before I sent my kids out to play, I thrilled them with the very fun, very versatile DIY OATMEAL SUNDAE.





This is more of an idea than a recipe. I set out things my family loves - frozen blueberries,

blackberry jam, cinnamon, walnuts, vanilla yogurt, raisins, honey, peanut butter, chocolate Ovaltine, and of course sprinkles.

In the past I've used mini marshmallow, chocolate chips, canned peaches, and whipped cream. So obviously, you can make this as healthy or junky as you want.

I made a cool blueberry yogurt sundae with honey. Yogurt makes all the difference - creamy and tangy. Yogurt, rather than plain milk, makes these oats feel and taste decadent, more like dessert .

The kiddos chose . . . everything! Heavy on the yogurt and sprinkles.

I take notes on what the little guys like so that next time when they groan over their oats, I'll top their hot breakfast with one of the sundae offerings. The children remember when they chose that topping themselves and are all the sudden in the mood for meal!

Good for your heart. Good for your digestive tract. Good to your budget. Oats are just plain good!

BASIC OATMEAL
Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions
Bring water boiling. Add oats and stir. Bring back up to a boil. Reduce heat to low or cover and reduce heat until water is absorbed and oats are plump and tender (about 5 minutes).

This recipe is easily expanded - just remember the water to oats ratio is 2 : 1.