Vegetarian Meal Ideas

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Oatmeal can be made plain then at serving time some topping can simply be added on top. Fresh blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries or sliced banana are common options. Chopped nuts (walnut, pecan, almond, hazelnut, etc.) are a favorite with some. Dried fruit can make things interesting too; cherries, cranberries, chopped dates, diced dried apples or apricots.

Oatmeal will need some sweetening. If not added while cooking, sugar is generally added at the table. The below version is lightly sweetened so that sugar doesn't need to be added at the table.

Servings:  1

Basic Oatmeal:

Directions:

1. Bring the water, milk, salt and sugar just to a boil using a medium heat (6).
2. Reduce the heat to Lo and stir in oats. Cook for 2-3 minutes (for Quick), stirring constantly.
3. Let stand for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
    
4. Microwave version - Put all contents in a bowl. Microwave for 1½ to 2 minutes.

Flavored versions:
Commercial brands offer flavored versions. The common ones are; "Apple Cinnamon", "Raisin Cinnamon/Spice" and "Maple & Brown Sugar". Some instructions are below for making homemade versions. These are healthier than the instant packets which have 3 tsp of sugar each plus additives. It takes 2 packets (6 tsp sugar) to equal the 3/4 cup of oats recipe above.

Apple Cinnamon: Cut off half a sweet apple, peel and dice fine. Put the apple bits (approx 2 Tbsp) in a small dish and microwave for 45 seconds. This will cook and soften it. Add into the water when bringing it to a boil. Instead of the 2 tsp of sugar above, substitute;
Brown sugar - 2 tsp
Cinnamon - 1/8 tsp

Raisin Cinnamon/Spice: Add into the water when bringing it to a boil.
Fresh raisins - 1 Tbsp
Pumpkin spice - 1/8 tsp

Maple & Brown Sugar: Instead of the 2 tsp of sugar above, substitute;
Maple syrup - 2 tsp
Brown sugar - 1 tsp

Quaker Oats offers some fruit & cream varieties; Peaches, Blueberry, Strawberry and Banana. They should not be used. They have hydrogenated oils, the fruit is dehydrated apple (in most flavors) and artificial colors and flavors are used to make the apple appear like peach, strawberry etc. Better to just add some fresh fruit or if the fruit is out of season, keep some frozen blueberries and raspberries in the freezer.

Fruit & Cream: Add in 2 Tbsp of frozen berries to the water at the start. Increase the milk to 1 cup and reduce the water to 1/2 cup.

Notes:
I use a half water half milk mixture since milk easily boils over and scalds. Making it with just water would be too bland. The half and half mixture makes a good balance for cooking and flavor. For kids, you can use 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup water.

Serve with milk. Poured it around the edges, to help cool it and make it easier to eat.