The Oatmeal Addict

I really love oatmeal. It's not just something I eat in the winter time, and it's not something I eat once a month. I have it at least four times a week, all year round.

I had oatmeal for the first time two years ago, during my sophomore year of college. I knew I needed more soluble fiber in my diet to get my digestion issues under control, but I also wanted a low-cal option to help me lose my freshmen you-don't-even-want-to-know-how-much.

I first tried the Quaker Instant Banana Bread flavor. Wow. I can remember being a little apprehensive of it at first (so mushy!), but the flavor appealed to me, so I stuck with it. By the time I finished that box, I was hooked.

That year, when I was home for spring break, all my mom had in the pantry was the giant carton of instant Quaker oats. I was so addicted to my daily bowl of oatmeal that I was willing to try it out.

I made it like I used to make Cream of Wheat. After I took it out of the microwave, I added butter, cinnamon, and sugar. And then I tried it. And gagged. So I added chocolate. And gagged again.

Flavored oatmeal packets spoil your taste buds with artificial flavoring and tons of sugar. And if you don't know how to prepare unflavored oatmeal properly (which I didn't), it makes the transition even more appalling.

Dark Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

Needless to say, I have come a long way. I now find flavored oatmeal packets revolting (although I still smile as I remember my mornings in my dorm room, digging into a warm bowl of Banana Bread goodness while I checked my Facebook). And I can whip up a mean bowl of oatmeal.

So, my Christmas present from me to you:

5 Easy, Adaptable Oatmeal Recipes

Dark Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

There are several ways to achieve this, but my favorite is by using Dark Chocolate almond milk. Which is heavenly, but I rarely let myself buy it because it's what I call a "frivolous purchase." But when I do buy it, I always make sure to have bananas on hand so I can make this delightful breakfast.

• 1/4 cup Dark Chocolate almond milk
• 1/4 cup regular almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup Old-Fashioned/Regular Rolled Oats
• 1 ripe banana
• additional mix-ins (I suggest chopped almonds or walnuts)

Bring milks and water to a boil. Add oats. Reduce heat to medium. Mash half the banana and mix it into the cooking oatmeal. Slice the other half of banana and add to the pot. Stir occasionally until oatmeal is thick and creamy. Add chopped almonds or walnuts. Serve with another splash of regular almond milk.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This is one of my favorites to make, simply because I friggin' love apples!

• 1/2 cup regular Almond Milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup Old Fashioned/Regular Rolled Oats
• 1/2 (or a full) medium apple (I typically put in about 1/3 of an apple and eat the rest sliced with peanut butter)
• vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• additional mix-ins (I suggest chopped almonds and raisins)

Brink milk and water to a boil and add oats. Reduce heat to medium. Slice and dice about half an apple, or all of it if you want. When oatmeal gets closer to finished, add a splash of vanilla extract (maybe 1/2 a tsp or so?) and a bunch of cinnamon. Add almonds, raisins, whatever. Serve with another splash of almond milk and another sprinkling of cinnamon.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal

This one is easy, but so delicious.

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup Old Fashioned/Regular Rolled Oats
• peanut butter
• vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• additional mix-ins (nuts, raisins, banana, jelly, sunflower seeds, etc.)

Brink milk and water to a boil and add oats. Reduce heat to medium. Wait until the oatmeal thickens up a little bit, and then add a spoonful or two of peanut butter, a splash of vanilla extract, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Add any other mix-ins you desire, and serve with another splash of almond milk.

Oatmeal with Jam, Jelly, or Preserves

This one is super easy. It's my go-to recipe when I have no fruit or peanut butter on hand.

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup Old Fashioned/Regular Rolled Oats
• any flavor jam, jelly, preserve, or fruit butter (peach, strawberry, or raspberry work beautifully for this recipe)
• 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• additional mix-ins (I go with my standard: raisins and chopped almonds)

Brink milk and water to a boil and add oats. Reduce heat to medium. Wait until the oatmeal thickens. Add a heaping spoonful of jam/jelly, and then the almond extract. Stir (a lot) until the jelly mixes into the oatmeal; this takes some patience. Add other mix-ins and serve with another splash of almond milk.

Oatmeal with Fresh Fruit

Out of all my "creative" oatmeal recipes, this one--in all its simplicity--continues to be my favorite. I have two versions: one with almond extract, and one with vanilla and cinnamon. It's so simple, I'm not even going to write a recipe. For blueberries and cherries, I suggest almond extract. For everything else, I suggest vanilla extract and cinnamon.

Add your fruit right away (unless you're using blueberries. Add those when you would add your "mix-ins" or they'll pop and stain your oatmeal all blue). Wait until your oatmeal thickens, and then add extract (and cinnamon, if you're using vanilla). Then add the other mix-ins.

Cinnamon Oatmeal with Fresh Peaches

**You can check out my other oatmeal recipes here, or by clicking the oatmeal tag. You can also find dozens of other oatmeal recipes on my Pinterest board (along with tons of other meatless recipes!). Thanks!