Easy Breakfast Oatmeal with Bananas & Blueberries

We are right in the middle of winter and just got our first big snowfall.  As I have mentioned before, during the winter months we tend to eat meals that help warm our bodies.  Soups and porridges are perfect for this time of year and oatmeal fits the bill.

Prior to this past year, we largely overlooked oatmeal and went for bowls of sugary cereal.  We decided that we want to instill better eating habits for our kids and decided to try a small change, our cereal.  So, I went out and bought the instant, pre-packaged, preflavored, oatmeal.  And the kids HATED it.  I thought, well there goes that idea.  Back to Cocoa Puffs and Honey Nut Cheerios!

I failed.  But I did not give up.  I went out and bought a small package of old-fashioned rolled oats.  Nothing pre-packaged.  Nothing artificially flavored.  Just simple, old-fashioned oats.  I followed the directions on the package and added some fruit.  We had raspberries on hand which are everyone’s favorite. 

I could not believe how simple they were to cook.  I wondered why I immediately purchased the pre-packaged instant stuff when this was so easy.  But most of all, I wondered would this be better and would the kids actually like it this way.  Would they enjoy oatmeal, and could this replace their love of sugary cereal? 

The Result

THEY LOVED IT!  The simple rolled oats prepared per the directions on the package with fresh raspberries were a hit.  And they kept asking for more! 

Now, there is still a place in our home for boxes of Cocoa Puffs and Cheerios.  But they are no longer the first pick for our family.  Especially now that the cold weather has set in, everyone requests oatmeal rather than anything else for breakfast. 

I could not be happier.  We are finally taking a step in the right direction and now, a year later, oatmeal has become a staple breakfast for our family.  And the best part, it takes few ingredients to make and is easy to make.  I think it is just as easy as the pre-flavored packages, but better!  In today’s oatmeal I used fresh blueberries and bananas.  If you do not have fresh fruit, you can use frozen fruit and it is just as great! And if you don not have frozen fruit, then the oatmeal without any toppings is great too! In fact, my oldest son sometimes prefers it this way.

Steps to Making Oatmeal

I use the following amounts for 6 servings.
* You will want to check the package for directions and variations.*

Ingredients

3 cups Oats
5 ¼ cups Water
½ tsp salt – this is optional and can be omitted.  I do add a tiny bit more than what it shows on the package, but you are welcome to start with less. 1/3 tsp would be the package amount for 6 servings.

Directions:

1. Boil water and salt.

2. Stir in the oats.

3. Bring to boil cook for about a minute or two.  Turn off heat and cover and let stand for about 10-15 minutes so that oats finish cooking and absorb all of the water.  * This step I do differently from the package directions just because I find it easier.  But package directions say to bring the oats to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally*

4. Pour into bowl and add your favorite toppings! Slice bananas using a butter knife and simply wash the blueberries and throw it all on top of your oatmeal.

5. Enjoy!

I hope you give this simple dish a try.  I am sure it will become a family favorite in your home!  Please comment below.  I’d love to hear how you made your oatmeal and what toppings are your favorite!