Oatmeal on a Whole New Level

So here is my last new recipe to share. .a few months ago I found a recipe for oatmeal using steel cut oats. It had golden raisins and dried cranberries in it, topped with brown sugar and broiled. We like oatmeal, so I looked for the steel cut variety. .with no luck. Several weeks ago I spotted some by accident and picked them up, hoping that I could remember what the recipe was and that I could still find it in my conglomeration of loose recipes and dog-eared pages.

Luckily, I found the Taste of Home magazine. .and the dog-eared page. Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oatmeal or Scotch oats, are less processed than the other two versions. .quick and whole oats. .and the results are little oat-y nuggets. They do take a while to cook. .but the results are an oatmeal that has a little "chew" to it. .an experience that was not expected, but enjoyed.

After cooking the oats with water and milk for about 25 minutes (and you don't have to stir at all if you don't want too), you dump in this bowl of goodness. .

Cover with brown sugar. .

and broil until carmelized! It was really good. Everyone enjoyed it!

I went on a search for other recipes to use the steel cut oats with, and found a crockpot recipe, which I also tried out this week.  Using 1 cup of steel oats, 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of water, I mixed them in a glass bowl that would completely fit inside my slow cooker. I put water under the bowl to about 1/2 way up the side of the oatmeal bowl. This created a water bath effect to kinda steam and keep the oats creamy, instead of getting crispy or overcooked.  I turned the crockpot on low about 10:30, and we were greeted by the same chewy oatmeal by 7 am. Grant mixed peanut butter and brown sugar in his, Jeremy just sugar.

 My story is that last week I read a recipe over at everday with peggy that uses Nutella smashed between a couple of white chocolate chip cookies. The recipe looks divine, so this week I picked up a jar of Nutella so I could try it out. We have never eaten Nutella before. .I didn't even know what it was (it's hazelnut butter mixed with cocoa powder) Needless to say, that we were eating it straight out of the jar with our fingers. .ALL of us!! I put a spoonful of that in my oatmeal this morning. .delicious.

I also found a recipe for a no-knead bread using the oats. .which I would like to try soon as well. The dough has to sit out on the counter for about 18 hours after mixed up. Then it still takes a time frame of 3-4 hours that I need to be home watching it before it becomes bread. But, I love oatmeal bread. .and I'll bet the flavor rocks!

The bottom line is. .we like Steel Cut Oats! I think I will add them to a Sunday night breakfast menu on a regular basis! Another food marked off my "gotta try" foodie bucket list!

Enjoy your first full weekend of fall!!

Irish Oatmeal Brulee

8 cups milk

2 cups steel-cut oats

1 cinnamon stick (I used two)

1 orange peel strip (I used 2 tsp grated orange peel that I keep in my freezer)

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup maple syrup

buttermilk, optional

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

In large saucepan brung milk to boil. Add oats, cinnamon and orange peel. Reduce heat; simmer for 30 minutes or until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, discard cinnamon. Stir in cranberries, raisins, syrup and buttermilk if desired. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes. Transfer to 8 ungreased ramekins. Place on baking sheet; sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil 8 inches from the heat for 4-7 minutes or until sugar is carmelized. Serve immediately.