Oatmeal Two Ways: Part Two

Growing up in my house, we had a special breakfast treat.  It was something that my Mom would whip up when we had overnight company or when my Dad got back from one of his long runs during his running days.  It was Baked Oatmeal:  thick and cakey oatmeal, with a hint of sweetness, baked in the oven until golden brown. 

I'm not sure who gave us the recipe, but it is something that my family cherishes.  The original recipe was written on a sheet of pink paper, and has the requisite cooking stains and marks of a well-worn, but much-loved recipe.  It's very simple to prepare, but delicious.  Just measure, mix, and pour.  No standing over a hot stove flipping pancakes, or wrangling out your waffle iron from the back of the cabinet. 

Serve it piping hot, spooned into bowls,  with a dollop of milk poured over it, and a steaming hot cup of coffee beside.  You don't need anything else in life.  Try this on Saturday.  You'll thank me.  And my mom.  And whoever gave my mom the recipe. 

NOTE:  This is not a low points recipe, and I don't apologize for that.  It's a comforting splurge for a day when you've saved up some points.  However, I may just play around with the recipe and post a lighter version at a later time.  I'll keep you posted. 

Oatmeal Two Ways: Part One

I have an issue.  Well, I have many.  But in particular, I have a breakfast issue.  I am always in search of a lasting, filling, low points breakfast.  Protein helps.  Carbs help.  But the thing that sticks to my ribs the most and seems to last the longest into the morning is oatmeal.  

Last year when I started Weight Watchers, I was inspired by the Tribute to Oatmeal on Kath Eats Real Food.  Kath takes oatmeal and raises it to glorious levels.  Seriously.  Just check it out.  You'll see.  

So I started making her essential oatmeal recipe, which she calls Whipped Banana Oatmeal.  It was good.  Really good.  Creamy, banana-y deliciousness.  But this year, I'm just too lazy in the mornings to stand by the stove, whipping up bananas in my oatmeal.  So I created a microwave alternative.  If you ask me, it's just as good, and it's done in a quarter of the time.  I also tweaked the recipe to take out a few extra points.  Water, instead of milk.  Less oatmeal.  You get the picture. 

Speaking of pictures, that cute tin with the sleepy teddy bears is the one that we have kept oatmeal in for as long as I can remember.  Don't laugh.  It's a family thing.