WFMW - Perk up that oatmeal

In an effort to perk up our breakfast menu, I went to a very fun site, Mr. Breakfast. I was specifically looking for ideas for our Wednesday morning menu of hot cereal. We've been rotating Coco Wheats, Malt-o-Meal, and Oatmeal. The leftovers have been getting larger, so I know that the kiddos are getting tired of it.

I found these recipes that sound super yummy. We had the Amish Oatmeal this morning. I doubled it and it wasn't enough! I'll scale back on the butter and sugar and triple it next time. It was so yummy!! I'll be trying the other two recipes in the next couple weeks. I'm actually looking forward to oatmeal!

Amish Oatmeal

(6 servings)

1 and 1/2 cups Quaker quick oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup melted margarine
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Warm milk to serve
fresh fruit -- brown sugar -- or other preferred topping


Combine the first 8 ingredients and mix well. Spread evenly in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 F. for 25-30 minutes or until edges get golden brown.
Immediately spoon into bowls, add milk. Top with fruit and brown sugar, if desired. (We didn't use toppings. Just milk.)

Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
(4 servings)

1 cup oats - old fashioned or quick
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon butter - softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg


For Topping:
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 Tablespoons white sugar
2 Tablespoon softened butter


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Prepare 4 individual 1-cup ramekins by coating the inside generously with cooking spray.
Prepare the topping mixture by combining the three ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Mix all dry spices together in a small bowl. Combine all other ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and slowly sprinkle in the spice mixture at the end so it's distributed evenly through the mix.
Divide the mixture among the four ramekins.
Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully sprinkle equal parts of the topping mixture over each serving. Bake for an additional 7 minutes.
Allow oatmeal to cool at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
(We'll double or triple this and bake in a casserole dish)

As American As Apple Pie Oatmeal
(4 servings)


1 and 3/4 cups water
1 cup apple juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 and 1/2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup chopped apple (1 medium apple)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
fat-free whipped cream for topping - optional


Bring the water, apple juice and cinnamon to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the apples and allow them to cook and soften for 1 minute. Stir in the oats, maple syrup and vanilla. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until thick - stirring often. Check after 4 minutes for desired texture.


Transfer oatmeal to serving bowls and top with a small dollop of whipped cream.


Cold Breakfast Oatmeal
(1 serving)


3/4 cup rolled oats (non-instant and uncooked)
3/4 cup skim milk (may use rice or soy or almond milk)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 packet sweetener of choice (optional)
1/4 cup dried or fresh blueberries

The night before your breakfast, mix oats, milk, cinnamon and sweetener (if using) together in a cereal bowl. (If you are using the dried blueberries, go ahead and add these the night before also making sure they have plenty of liquid covering them.) Now cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, add your fresh berries (if using) and stir gently. Enjoy.