Let’s talk about a breakfast favorite – oatmeal! Most of us probably grew up eating flavored oatmeal that came from a packet. All you do is add hot water, easy peasy. But those packets are not cheap! When my daughter was a toddler I started to make my own oatmeal “packets” using freeze dried fruit and spices. Now as a family of four I have found the most efficient way to make oatmeal is to use steel-cut oats and make large batches in the Instant Pot. Then each day everyone gets to add their favorite toppings.

Why choose steel-cut oats over quick oats or old-fashioned oats? They are higher in fiber and lower on the glycemic index. They are the least processed of all the oats. They will keep you fuller, longer!

For the Steel-Cut Oats

• 2 cups steel-cut oats (I like Bob’s Red Mill and buy it in bulk from Costco)
• 6 cups water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt
• 3-4 tablespoons of butter

In your instant pot, add the oats, water, vanilla & salt and stir. Set the pressure to high and set your timer for 4 minutes. Naturally release for 15 minutes and then manually release. Remove lid and stir in all of the butter. Put the cooked oats into a container and cool before placing in fridge. The cooked oatmeal will keep in the fridge for a week.

To serve:

If refrigerated, heat 1 cup of cooked oatmeal in the microwave for 60-90 seconds depending on your microwave.

Topping Ideas:

This is where you can get creative! I always try to add a source of fat, fiber & protein into my oatmeal.

Fiber: Ground flax seed, chia seeds, fruit, cacao nibs

Fat: Nut butters, coconut oil, MCT oil

Protein: protein powder, collagen powder, nuts

Flavor Combinations:

Almond butter & jelly with flax seed

Pumpkin puree with maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice & walnuts

Diced apples with coconut oil & cinnamon topped with walnuts

Coconut flakes with coconut oil & cacao nibs

Chocolate protein powder with peanut butter & bananas

Peanut butter with honey & ground flax seed