Make It From Scratch: Oatmeal

 Oatmeal is one of the frugalista's go-to breakfasts. It's inexpensive, nutritious, filling and delicious! So, why, oh why, do I still see so many people in the checkout line with those boxes of instant oatmeal packets (that are not only horrendously expensive, they're sickly sweet and totally unpalatable!)

Real oatmeal from scratch is so easy to prepare, I wanted to make sure everyone knows how to make it :) I'm going to share the instructions for both stovetop oatmeal (very quick to make) and baked oatmeal (which takes a bit longer, but is my family's favourite way to eat oatmeal; it's how I converted both my kids to oatmeal eaters!)

Stovetop oatmeal:

Ingredients:
2 cups water or other liquid (we like half milk, half water, but you can experiment with apple or orange juice for different flavours)
1 cup of rolled oats (you can use either quick-cooking or regular, but I don't recommend the instant cooking as the texture is not as good)
1/4 cup brown sugar (or substitute your sweetener of choice; you'll need less sugar if using juice for part of the cooking liquid)
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
other additions of choice - you can add raisins or other dried fruit, or chopped fresh fruit (apples, pears, peaches, etc)

Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, bring the liquid to a boil. Stir in the oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and any optional additions. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until oatmeal is completely cooked and mixture has thickened to desired consistency.

Now, on to our favourite...

Baked Oatmeal

(pictured above)

I started out with a baked oatmeal recipe from a bed and breakfast and tweaked it significantly until I got it just right for us (I use substantially less sugar and fat than the original called for!) I pop this in the oven before I get in the shower and it's all ready to eat when I'm done.

3 cups rolled oats (regular or quick-cooking, not instant!)
2 cups milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 apples, peeled and chopped (can be omitted or other fruit may be substituted)

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into greased 9" x 13" baking dish and bake at 375F for 25 minutes or until firm. Serve topped with syrup, milk, more fruit, or whatever else strikes your fancy :)

Do you have a favourite way to make oatmeal for breakfast? If so, please share it with us in the comments!