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Oatmeal Eight Ways

One base oatmeal recipe with eight easy flavor variations to suit any craving.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings: 1 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup milk preferably 2%
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 pinch salt fair pinch
  • 1/2 well-ripened banana mashed
  • 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tsp honey or to taste
  • 6 drops almond extract
  • 2 Tbsp peanut butter powder (such as PB2)
  • 1 tsp honey or to taste (for peanut powder variation)
  • 2 tsp Nutella
  • 1 Tbsp chopped unsalted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk used in place of 2% milk for coconut variation
  • 1/2 well-ripened banana mashed (for coconut variation)
  • 2 Tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1/8 tsp coconut extract
  • 1 tsp packed brown sugar or to taste (coconut variation)
  • 2 Tbsp chopped mixed unsalted nuts
  • 1/2 overripe banana mashed
  • 2 tsp Dutch-processed or regular unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp packed brown sugar or to taste (chocolate variation)
  • 2-3 tsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 fresh strawberries sliced, optional
  • 2 tsp packed brown sugar or maple syrup or to taste (maple pecan variation)
  • 4 drops maple extract or to taste
  • 2 Tbsp chopped pecans
  • 2/3 cup peeled and finely chopped Honeycrisp apple
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp packed brown sugar or maple syrup or to taste (apple variation)
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 Tbsp butter optional (for apple variation)
  • 1 Tbsp dried cranberries and/or chopped walnuts optional (for apple variation)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon scant
  • 1 pinch ground ginger fair pinch
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg fair pinch
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup or to taste (pumpkin variation)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp chopped pecans (for pumpkin variation)
  • 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries or frozen (thawed and drained) dice strawberries if using
  • 2 tsp honey or to taste (berry variation)
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp half-and-half or cream, for topping

Instructions

  • Base method: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk (or specified milk substitute for that variation), 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of salt; add any mashed banana or other mix-ins listed for the chosen variation.
  • Microwave the bowl uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until oats are cooked and have absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Remove from microwave and stir in the finishing mix-ins listed for the variation (for example almond butter, honey, and almond extract for the almond-banana version).
  • Let the oatmeal rest a few minutes to thicken and cool slightly; thin with a splash of milk if desired.
  • Peanut butter powder variation: Use 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup water, and oats; after microwaving stir in 2 Tbsp peanut butter powder and 1 tsp honey, then dollop and swirl 2 tsp Nutella and top with 1 Tbsp chopped peanuts.
  • Coconut-banana variation: Use 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk in place of milk and include mashed banana; after cooking stir in 2 Tbsp shredded coconut, 1 tsp brown sugar and 1/8 tsp coconut extract, then top with 2 Tbsp chopped mixed nuts.
  • Chocolate-banana variation: Add 2 tsp cocoa powder with the oats before cooking; after microwaving stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla and 2 tsp brown sugar, then top with 2–3 tsp mini chocolate chips and sliced strawberries if desired.
  • Maple-pecan variation: Prepare the base oats, then stir in 2 tsp brown sugar or maple syrup and 4 drops maple extract to taste; top with 2 Tbsp chopped pecans.
  • Apple variation: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 2/3 cup chopped apple with a little water for 2 minutes; stir in oats, 1/2 cup milk, a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp cinnamon and microwave 2 minutes more. Stir in 1 tsp brown sugar (or maple syrup), 1/8 tsp vanilla and 1/2 Tbsp butter if using; top with 1 Tbsp dried cranberries and/or chopped walnuts.
  • Pumpkin spice variation: Stir 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and spices (1/2 tsp cinnamon scant, pinch ginger, pinch nutmeg) into the base oats before cooking; after cooking stir in 1 Tbsp maple syrup and 1/4 tsp vanilla and top with 2 Tbsp chopped pecans.
  • Berry variation: Prepare the base oats, then stir in 1/2 cup mixed berries (thawed and drained if frozen), 2 tsp honey and 1/8 tsp vanilla; let cool slightly and top with 2 Tbsp half-and-half or cream.
  • Stovetop option: Any variation may be cooked on the stove—follow package directions for cooking rolled oats and add the same mix-ins as directed above.

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • small bowl (optional)

Notes

  • Use the base method and choose one of the eight variations.
  • Adjust sweeteners to taste.
  • Let oatmeal rest a few minutes to thicken before serving.
  • Half-and-half is optional as a finishing touch for the berry variation.