Four ways to upgrade your everyday oatmeal

Many people consider oatmeal to be a breakfast staple – and it should be, since it is so simple to make and actually pretty healthy for you. Filled with calcium, potassium and fiber, another benefit of oatmeal is that it will fill you up. Oats are complex carbohydrates so the body spends a longer time breaking them down, which in turn leaves you satisfied and fuller for longer. The only problem some people find with this excellent breakfast? Plain oats can be a little boring. For that reason, I’m going to list four delicious recipes that you can use to upgrade a regular bowl of oatmeal.

1. Maple Cranberry Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups rolled oats (quick or Old Fashioned)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup toasted wheat germ
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

In medium saucepan, bring milk and salt right to the verge of boiling. Slowly, stir in oats, cranberries and maple syrup. After a minute, reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for an additional minute (using quick oats) or 5 more minutes (using Old Fashioned oats). Stir often. When the milk is nearly all absorbed, remove oats from heat and cover. Let stand for 3 minutes then stir in the wheat germ. Serve with additional maple syrup.

2. Creamy Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• ½ cup quick oats
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup milk
• dash salt
• 2 packets of Splenda
• cinnamon (to taste)

Directions: Put oats, water, milk, salt, and Splenda in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir. Heat for additional 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until thickened as desired. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

3. S’mores Oatmeal

Ingredients:

For the oatmeal:

• 1 cup water
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• Drizzle of honey
• Pinch of salt
• Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

For topping:

• ½ cup mini marshmallows
• 1-2 graham crackers, cut or crumbled into medium pieces
• 2 ounces milk chocolate, divided into segments or coarsely chopped

Directions: To make the oatmeal, combine the water and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the oats and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Pour into serving dishes. Cover the tops of the oatmeal with mini marshmallows. Garnish with graham cracker pieces and milk chocolate segments.  

4. Apple Pie Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free, if necessary)
• 1 large apple, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 1/3 cups)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 ½  tablespoons maple syrup
• ½  cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

In a medium sized pot over medium heat, whisk together the oats, apple, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, milk, maple syrup, and applesauce until combined. Cook over medium heat for about 9 to 15 minutes, stirring often. When the mixture thickens and the oats soften, it is ready. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using). Pour into a dish and serve with your desired toppings.