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
a Rafflecopter giveaway
View Comments (32)
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)