Are you an oatmeal hater? If all you’ve ever been served is Oliver Twist’s gruel, no wonder! I wouldn’t eat that slop either. Oatmeal can taste delicious, provided it’s properly cooked and has sufficient mix-ins.

I follow the package directions, but double the cooking time. This produces an oatmeal that’s chewy, rather than watery. Buy the unsweetened variety so you can adjust it accordingly. I think all oatmeal needs some sweetener, but don’t go overboard. Try any of these sweeteners:

* Brown sugar

* Splenda

* Agave

* Honey 

* Maple Syrup

* Molasses

Need some ideas for mix-ins? Try any of these alone or a combo:

* Dried fruit   (cranberries, raisins, apricots)

* Nuts  (I love sliced almonds)

* Fresh Fruit  (apple, banana, peaches, berries)

* Cinnamon

* Chocolate Chips

* Milk   (I always pour almond milk on top of my oatmeal)

* Flaxseed or Chia seeds  (so healthy!)

* Whipped Cream

* Pudding

* Peanut Butter

* Nutella

* Coconut

* Vanilla Extract

* Pumpkin

* Mini Marshmallows

* Cream Cheese

* Jelly or jam

* Instant Coffee

*Apple Sauce

* Yogurt

* Crushed cookies or graham crackers

 

What’s your favorite oatmeal? Mine is bananas, raisins, and agave!