Growing up, I always remember loving my mom’s oatmeal.  It’s kind of a funny story: I’ve always loved a chunkier oatmeal, and my brothers just HAD to have theirs strained into an even, soupy broth – only way they would eat it as kids.  Today as adults, they refuse to come near it.  Luckily, both my girls love my oatmeal, and even my husband learned how yummy a good, hearty bowl of oatmeal can be!  Whether for breakfast or as a snack, this oatmeal recipe is always a great choice at home.

The term ‘oatmeal’ is used to describe the oat porridge made from ground or rolled oats.  Although my mom used the traditional Quaker-brand ground oats, I discovered the rolled oat varieties here in Germany.  Rolled oats can be either thick, large whole flakes or thin, smaller flakes.  These rolled oats can be cooked and eaten as porridge oats, but are also a main ingredient in granola and muesli (which I use in this recipe as well!)

For the Recipe

• 1/2 cup (120ml) of water
• 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or 1 large cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon of butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3/4 cups (70g) of rolled oats
• 1/4 cup of fruit granola or muesli
• 2-1/2 cups (600ml) of whole milk

Add the water to a medium-sized sauce pan over medium heat. Add the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter – yes, butter! It gives anything creamy a lovely gloss. Trust me!  Let the sugar dissolve and bring to a boil.  Add the oats and mix constantly until the oats absorb all the liquid to form a paste.  Add the milk, 1/2 a cup at a time, stirring in order for the paste to dissolve.  This will reduce the chunks in the oatmeal, for a smoother more uniform porridge.  Cook until reduced to desired consistency.  To each their own!

My daughters love fruit in their oatmeal, which is why I work with whatever I have in the kitchen at this point.  Aside from the fruit muesli I add towards the end for a little bit of texture, I’ve also added apples, banana, and even chocolate chunks at this point!  This recipe is rather sweet, which is why my kids LOVE it.  But by reducing the amount of sugar, a healthier version can be prepared, sweetened with fresh fruit and honey when serving – which is the way my husband prefers it!  I would love to hear your comments on oats and your experiences with this recipe, be sure to leave a comment.