Have you tried steel-cut oats? Also known as Irish oats, this 100% whole grain Irish oats cereal needs to cook longer than rolled oats but has a wonderfully hearty, chewy texture.
Preparation couldn't be easier: into 4 cups of briskly boiling water sprinkle one cup of oatmeal, stirring well. When the porridge is smooth and beginning to thicken, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Irish porridge is good with milk and brown sugar for "everyday" but for an extra-special weekend treat I like to top the oatmeal with a mix of dried fruits (eg. dried apricots, cherries, currents, figs, etc.) and toasted nuts (eg. pecans, walnuts and almonds). To gild the lily I infuse warm milk with a cheesecloth sachet filled with star anise, a cinnamon stick, and orange zest. My gosh, it is so divine! Top the whole lot with some pure maple syrup and I'm in heaven!
Whole grains are vital in a healthy diet and these steel-cut oats are an especially nutritious way to incorporate them into your day. They take a little time to prepare but you can easily let them simmer while you get ready in the morning...it's worth it!
I've tried those Irish steel-cut oats and they're awesome. In Anchorage, they're pretty expensive though.. around $7.00 a can.
In other words, I don't use them when I make oatmeal cookies.. even though I'm sure they'd be great! ;o)
Posted by: sherry | March 28, 2009 at 01:01 AM