Steel cut oats.

I have fairly recently discovered steel cut oats.  They are a less processed form of oatmeal and thus take forever to cook.  They are so yummy and filling.  They have a chewy texture which really appeals to me.  My kids also really like them and Kristian doesn't mind them, but finds them a little too chewy.  They take a little over half an hour to cook on the stovetop.  This morning, I decided to make up batch to keep in the fridge, for a quick grab and go snack.  These are 2 pint jars (I think.  They are regular jam jars.  Half a quart.  Is that one pint?  No matter, you know what I mean) and a fairly large serving as they are super filling, but it didn't occur to me to maybe not fill them all the way until just right now.  Also, I will totally eat a full one (or more) in a sitting anyway.  I added some berries in there because everything is better with berries.  I plan to nuke em before eating them, or just have them cold.  I like them both ways, though I do prefer warm foods in the morning. 

Steel cut oats are available in the bulk foods bin at WINCO.  Also, Bob's Red Mill makes a quick cooking variety which only takes 5 minutes on the stovetop.  I haven't been able to find these, though admittedly I haven't looked very hard.  The ratio for cooking these is 4 parts water to one part oats.  Bring the water (and a little salt ) to a boil, add the oats and simmer for half an hour.  I like to stir in brown sugar, a little cinnamon and some vanilla.  Yummm.  I didn't put vanilla in this batch cause I spaced it. 

If you don't have 35 minutes in the morning to devote to your breakfast prep, you can also make them the night before by bringing the water (and a little salt) to a boil on the stovetop, add the oats, put the lid on and just let them sit overnight.  They will be fully cooked in the morning (in theory, I haven't actually tried this method).  Another way you could do it is to add all ingredients to the crockpot the night before and just turn it on "keep warm" and leave overnight and they will be ready (and warm) when you get up (again, in theory, I haven't tried this one either). 

Anyway you make them steel cut oats are a delicious and nutritious addition to the breakfast menu.