Savory Oats - Version 2.0

This morning I decided that it was time to share my revamped version of an old favorite. In this version, I stir nutritional yeast into my cooked oats (instead of shredded cheese which I still use on top) to give it a slightly cheesy, salty flavor. I know what you’re thinking… ‘Nutritional yeast sounds GROSS!’ or ‘I’m not eating yeast!’. I agree, the name is slightly off putting, but the flavor and health benefits are pretty darn good. For one rounded tablespoon, you get a boatload of B vitamins like B1 - thiamine (273%), B2 - riboflavin (240%), B3 - niacin (123%), B6 (190%) and B12 (50%). There’s also a wide range of minerals and 18 different amino acids. So what is nutritional yeast…? At the most basic level it is a yeast similar to brewer’s yeast that is grown on molasses and then fortified with some additional B vitamins. It is unsweetened and is naturally low in fat and sodium. If you like cheese, you will probably like nutritional yeast in your morning oats. …and who doesn’t like cheese?? My new and improved savory oats include my beloved chia seeds, garlic and a whole egg. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to use the quick cooking or instant oats. Top with hot sauce and get ready to enjoy the best ‘stick to your ribs’ breakfast you’ve had in a long time.

What You Need:

½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
½ cup milk, plus ½ cup water
1 egg
1 rounded Tbs nutritional yeast (or shredded cheese of your choice)
1 Tbs sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbs chia seeds (optional)
¼ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
1/8 tsp salt and black pepper, plus a pinch for the egg (or to taste)

What To Do:

Combine oats, milk, water, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper and garlic powder in a small sauce pan over medium high heat until the mixture reaches a slow boil.

Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until desired thickness, stirring occasionally. 

When the oats begin to bubble, begin heating a small skillet over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, spray with non-stick cooking spray and carefully add the egg. Reduce heat to low and allow the white to cook slowly, while keeping the yolk runny. This will also take about 5-8 minutes. Season the egg with remaining pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re not a fan of runny yolks, flip and cook completely.

After your oats are done, combine the nutritional yeast, chia seeds and oat mixture in a small bowl.

Stir to combine.

Top your oats with the over easy egg and shredded cheese. Serve with hot sauce.









Serves 1


Bon Appétit!
Mary

Maple Walnut Granola

I love making homemade granola, but somehow got into the habit of buying it from the store. This morning as I was making my shopping list and noticed we needed granola, I decided that today was the day I’d stop that silly habit and get back in the kitchen and make my own! Our favorite flavor of granola is maple, so I quickly got to work. I chose to leave the walnuts out during the baking process, adding them at the end with the dried fruit, because we prefer raw walnuts to toasted. Feel free to add the nuts into the oat mixture before baking if you prefer it that way. I used a mixture of dried blueberries, mango and cranberries, but you could use any dried fruit you have on hand or leave it out completely. Eat this granola with milk, sprinkled on yogurt or straight out of the container as a snack.

What You Need:

4 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup raw walnut pieces (or any type you like)
1 cup dried fruit, cut into small pieces
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 Tbs coconut oil (canola or vegetable would work here)
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp kosher salt

What To Do:

Combine oats, brown sugar and salt in a large bowl.

Combine syrup, vanilla and oil in a small bowl.

Add maple mixture to the oat mixture and, using your hands, coat the oats with the syrup mixture forming clumps. Spread the granola onto a lined baking sheet coated with cooking.

Bake for 40 minutes at 325*, stirring half way though. Once granola has cooled slightly, add the nuts and fruit.













Makes 12 Servings



Bon Appétit!
Mary