Oatmeal buffet

I’m really enjoying my oatmeal setup. On top of the microwave I have a bucket of rolled oats and a carton containing fixings: nuts, raisins, sesame seeds, ground allspice. On the counter nearby I have brown sugar and coconut oil. When I’m ready to make oatmeal I put a handful of rolled oats into a microwavable container, add the other ingredients plus water, and heat it.

I have used a variety of ingredients over the last couple months. One of my favorites is frozen blueberries, added before heating. Other fruits are good, especially dried peaches added before cooking. Slivered almonds and chopped nuts are good, but I’ve also enjoyed pinones or pine nuts, and roasted sunflower seeds. I don’t mind salt on them; there’s not enough to make a difference in the oatmeal flavor. A couple times I’ve added Tang or Russian tea (orange drink mix with lemonade powder, sugar, and spices). A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses is good, along with some sugar.

The coconut oil and sesame seeds really add to it. Nut butters are good. Peanut butter doesn’t do as well when added before cooking; it tends to curdle. Peanut butter stirs in best when the oatmeal is hot. If I don’t add some oil and/or protein to my oatmeal, it doesn’t stick with me. I get hungry again too soon.