Oatmeal is nasty?

Question

How can I make oatmeal more appealing and tasteful without making it unhealthy because its nasty when its just plain

Answer 1

I didn't think anyone ate it plain. You're right though that the unflavored is most healthy. Add a little cinnemon and/or vanilla. Or a little honey. Don't forget fruit. Strawberries and/or bananas are great with oatmeal, or other berries.

Answer 2

It doesn't have to be. I agree that plain, it is tasteless, and those sugared pre-mixed varieties are not healthy or even tasty.

If you simmer a handful or raisins, dried cherries or blueberries, dried apricots, bananas or chopped apples (peaches or pears) for about 5 minutes before you heat it up to a boil and add the oatmeal, it will make it taste much better. Also, adding margarine (sans trans fat) or milk and honey if you're not diabetic can also improve the taste. I like cinnamon sprinkled in if I am cooking apples in the oatmeal. Also, since I tend to prefer crunchy or slightly gritty food to bland food, I also throw in a handful of oat bran and/or chopped flax seeds at the same time the raisins go in.

Answer 3

Well, if you don't like it, you don't like it. Not much you can do about that.

You've probably already thought about adding (healthy) things like fresh fruit to your oatmeal, but what about preserves or jam? Whatever flavor you like, there's a jar of jam or preserves waiting for you at the supermarket. Fruit jelly would work, too, but you wouldn't have the neat little lumps.

Or how about maple syrup or honey, instead of white sugar? Neither thing is "unhealthy" if consumed in moderation. I'm not suggesting you eat a whole bowl of maple syrup for breakfast...just a tablespoon or two on top of the oatmeal.

Or, you could give up eating it in the traditional way, and add it to your diet in other ways. It can used in baked goods---aside from the usual oatmeal cookies, it can be added to breads and muffins. Also, you can use it in place of breadcrumbs, like in meatloaf (if you have a food processor, you can grind the oatmeal to make it finer).

Answer 4

I like the flavor maple and brown sugar. It's not so plain. I also make mine w/ milk and not water, and I put a spoon full or two of sugar in it and mix it up. You should try it. I'm not a big fan of oatmeal either, but when I make it like that it is really good.

Answer 5

If you're making the Quaker stuff, just plan from the box, then it's going to taste pretty bad. I buy the instant stuff because it has a lot of different flavors. My favorite is Maple and Brown Sugar, but I'm currently eating Cinnamon Roll.

Answer 6

ok here's the way we do it at home.. Instead of having chunks of oats.. we put it in the blender until the oats are powder.. (make it according to the measurements you always take) Instead of water use milk (using the same meaurements you would have) Okay first thing.. put milk on a low-med heat in a sauce pot... add the max 2 drops of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt and a few dashes of cinnamon(according to yourliking) and not to mention add sugar (use brown sugar) to your liking. taste the milk with the ingredients to see if you want it sweeter... okay after all the ingredients are in add the oatmeal that you already grinded into a powder and keep the heat at the low... take a spoon and just stir and stir until its nice and thick (thickness to your liking) it will taste delicious!! i love oatmeal, and trust me this will be yummy

Answer 7

Make this... Banana Bread Oatmeal

Ingredients
3 cups fat-free milk
3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
2 medium-size ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted pecans
Vanilla nonfat yogurt (optional)
Banana slices (optional)
Pecan halves (optional)

Preparation Steps
In medium saucepan, bring milk, brown sugar, and spices to a gentle boil (watch carefully); stir in oats. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats, or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Remove oatmeal from heat. Stir in mashed bananas and pecans. Spoon oatmeal into six cereal bowls. Top with yogurt, sliced bananas and pecan halves, if desired.

Cook Tips and Variations
To toast pecans, spread evenly in shallow baking pan. Bake at 350°F 5 to 7 minutes or until light golden brown. Or, spread nuts evenly on microwave-safe plate. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Continue to microwave on HIGH, checking every 30 seconds, until nuts are fragrant and brown.

Answer 8

Walnuts and cinnamon are both healthy choices, and will make it taste great. You will probably like a little brown sugar added to it too. Also, raisins are a great addition. I don't eat raisins plain, but they are great in Oatmeal.

Answer 9

I love plain oatmeal, but some things to try are brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Strawberries, applesauce or other fruit. Nutella. Or try sprinkling with cinnamon.

Answer 10

this is the only way i will even eat oat meal.

Caramel Oatmeal Pudding Cookies serves 48

INGREDIENTS

2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix
2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan combine the sugar, butter or margarine and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil. Add the instant pudding and oats. Remove from heat and stir to mix.
Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool for 15 minutes.