Fruit and Cream Oatmeal

Growing up a bowl of quick Quaker Oatmeal from the packet was really one of my favorite and go-to breakfasts.  It was convenient and tasted so good.  My favorites in the flavor pile were Maple&Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Spice, Strawberries&Cream, and Peaches&Cream.  After a little while of trying to become more aware of what I'm consuming, it occurred to me that homemade oatmeal tastes just as good if not better.  It is also pretty quick, cheaper and while making homemade I know exactly what's going in to it.

I found it really interesting that just a day after I had come up with a recipe for homemade Fruit and Cream Oatmeal, that there was this post by Lisa from 100 Days of Real Food.

So, we were on the same wave-length when it came to thinking about oatmeal.  With that said here is my recipe for my "whole food" approach to oatmeal. 

Fruit & Cream Oatmeal

1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup milk
1/4 water
pinch of salt

1/4 cup fruit* (blueberries, strawberries, apples, peaches, etc.)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1-3 tsp. of pure maple syrup

Optional: cinnamon, extra milk for on top


In a small saucepan combine oats, milk, water and salt.  Bring to a simmer on medium heat. At the same time in another small saucepan combine the fruit and vanilla extract.  Turn on medium heat.  Alternate between stirring oatmeal and fruit.  You will cook fruit until it has started to release some juices and mush easily.  After fruit is ready, add to oatmeal and stir while simmering until you reach your desired consistency (about 2-3 minutes).  Add maple syrup (1-3 tsp. depending on how sweet you like it) and extra milk if you'd like it. 

*You will need to chop fruit into small pieces.  Blueberries won't need chopping, but any other fruit needs it.

Blueberries & Cream Oatmeal