When I was in high school, I got the chance to visit Australia. Our group stayed at a camp for part of the time, with a hearty camp breakfast in the morning (Vegemite on toast, anyone?). They made the most wonderful, creamy oatmeal, and I ate multiple bowls of it every day. The texture was just so perfect – definitely a far cry from the instant oatmeal packets I made for myself at home! I assumed that the secret was, you know, actually cooking the rolled oats on the stove, but when I tried it, mine always turned out more…gluey than creamy.
Over the years, I’ve occasionally returned to my quest to recreate the perfect bowl of oatmeal. When I discovered steel cut oats, I thought that might be the difference. They have a unique, chewy texture that I love (and I’m especially fond of their make-ahead qualities – here’s how you do it!). But as good as they are, they weren’t exactly what I was looking for.
One day I googled something ridiculous, along the lines of “how do you make oatmeal in Australia”. I came upon this article (which of course the food nerd within me loved) and discovered SCOTTISH OATMEAL. Okay, so you know how instant/quick-cooking/1-minute oats are the chopped-up version of rolled oats? Scottish oats are the chopped up/ground version of steel cut oats! They cook much faster and have…yes…a really wonderful creamy texture.
I couldn’t find them at a local grocery store, and so I turned to my good friend Amazon and got me some from there. And at last – I had recreated the bowl of oatmeal from my memory: thick, creamy, not chewy or mushy – perfection. They take about 10 minutes to cook and are worth every.single.one. I recommend whisking them into the boiling water to prevent lumps – since I started doing that the texture has been amazing every time.
You can order some yourself from Amazon here – Bob’s Red Mill Scottish Oatmeal
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My favorite is always the classic brown sugar and cinnamon topping. I am really missing my brown sugar lately, but the honey sub is t terrible. Definitely not the same though.
Agreed! I’ve been doing maple syrup lately and it’s a little more brown sugar-y. :o)
Gotta try some Scottish Oatmeal! I love to add a little maple syrup, bananas and walnuts. If there aren’t any walnuts around, I might stir in a spoonful of almond butter.
Yum! Love a little crunch in there!
Ooh, sounds good! This is sort of the reverse of oatmeal toppings, but I love to put uncooked oats in my yogurt…mix in some raisins and peanut butter, and that’s some good stuff! When I actually cook my oatmeal, I love to mix in apples and cinnamon 🙂
Ooh, that sounds like a good snack Ani!
I can’t wait to try this!! The kids and I love oatmeal, but I have a strong preference for the steel cut oats, and they just don’t lend themselves to “spur of the moment.” I used to top my oats with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a wee bit of milk, but THEN I accidentally tried T’s Secretly-Adding-Any-Calories-I-Can-In-Any-Way-I-Can version, which had half and half in the place of milk….and it has been hard to go back. 🙂
Mmm, I bet that extra bit of creaminess is divine!
Oh, I am so glad you posted this. I love getting oatmeal made in a restaurant or out somewhere. I, too, have tried to recreate that creamy texture without success. I can’t wait to try this…
My favorite toppings are brown sugar, fruit (bananas or raisins), and walnuts. Yummy!!
Yes, it always baffled me that I couldn’t make it “right” at home! Now we know the secret! ;o)
Oh I love steel cut oats, so I like that there is a better, quicker alternative!! I like to top mine with some brown sugar and cream. Thanks for the tip!!
Speed = essential some days. ;o)
Brown sugar and sometimes Apple to spice up my life???? Love your blog!!
Thanks, Linda!! :o)
I like to put chocolate chips and/or bananas.
Howwww have I never put chocolate chips in mine?? Totally going to try it!
I love a bit of cinnamon, brown sugar, and fruit. I love a good bowl of oatmeal when I can take me time and enjoy it one the weekends.
Kelley, I agree, a nice hot weekend breakfast is the best. :o)
I haven’t ever been able to figure out how to make oatmeal that I really like, so haven’t gotten to find my favorite topping. but if I win, I can find out!
Good luck, Meredith! :o)
Yum, Scottish oatmeal! Can’t wait to try! Growing up, my mom always did brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins, so that’s what I often do, but I also really like dried cranberries and honey! (I always put the cranberries in right away so they have plenty of time to soak up liquid!)
I need to branch our from raisins, I’m going to try cranberries in the morning! :o)
I totally have a love/hate relationship with oatmeal. I really want to love it but can never seem to get the consistency right, either! I’m happy to know that you found the answer! I like cubed (weird, I know) apples, walnuts or pecans, and a few raisins on mine. 🙂
I totally get it! And your combo sounds apple pie-ish and delicious!
I’ve been an oatmeal kick lately and have been warming the milk on the stovetop and adding raisins and honey at the end. Scottish oatmeal sounds divine!
Ooh, I bet the warm milk is really dreamy!
Almonds, honey, and blueberries
Yum! Do you use fresh or frozen berries??
I love it with brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and blueberries!
Yum! Like a blueberry muffin in a bowl!
blueberries
I’m so traditional – brown sugar & milk.