Dr. McDougall’s Organic Oatmeal with Almonds, Apples, & Maple Syrup

As it gets colder, regular old cereal and cold milk just won’t do.  Warm breakfasts are the only way to go on chilly mornings and the hardier, the better.  At this intersection of chilly mornings and breakfast cereal, I’d like to introduce readers to my new favorite breakfast favorite: McDougal’s Organic Instant Oatmeal.

I know what you’re thinking: “Instant Oatmeal? Is this food blogger crazy?!”

Not at all folks.  You see, McDougall’s is not your ordinary instant oatmeal.  It’s all organic, nutrient-rich, and just as hardy as regular steel-cut oats.

I’ve always stayed far away from instant oatmeal in part because it’s usually a gooey mess and in part because it doesn’t have the nutritional benefits of regular steel-cut oats.

But McDougall’s debunks every opinion I’ve had of instant oatmeal–it’s as hardy as steel-cut oats and more flavorful.  Whether you’re eating the Apple Cinnamon, 4 Grain Maple, Peach Raspberry, or just plain Organic Instant Regular, these instant oatmeals are as flavorful as the more gourmet variations you’ve probably seen coming out of my kitchen.

Plus, McDougall’s Instant Oatmeal takes its health benefits seriously by focusing on the healthful reasoning behind going organic.  Founded by Dr. John McDougall, MD, McDougall’s Instant Oatmeal seeks to bring the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, to a broader audience of eaters.  For more information on McDougall’s mission, see here.  For any of their other yummy food products–Whole Grain Cous Cous, Masala Lentil Pilaf, and Noodle bowls, visit their store.

For today’s post, I’d like to introduce readers to my new favorite warming breakfast: Apple & Maple Instant Oatmeal with real apples, warm maple syrup, almonds, and cinnamon.  The combination is as decadent as cafe-style baked oatmeal, but with the speed you’d expect from an instant product.  Just top instant oats with seasonal apples, almonds, and warm maple syrup and voila! A warm, clearly delicious breakfast for any chilly fall morning.  It’s so hardy and delicious, you’ll forget it’s instant.

McDougall’s Organic Oatmeal with Almonds, Apples, & Maple Syrup

Perhaps the best thing about Organic Oatmeal is its ability to be dressed and treated like regular steel-cut oats.  Typically, I prepare regular steel-cut oats with fruit, nuts, and honey.  For either of McDougal’s Maple- or Apple-Flavored Varieties, they insist on a similar treatment.  Take a cue from the flavors of McDougal’s packages and add accordingly–here, I’ve combined 1 package Instant Maple with 1 package Instant Apple.  The toppings? Apple and Maple!

Ingredients:

* 2 (1.1 oz) packets McDougall’s Instant Oatmeal: Maple, Apple, or Regular

* 1 cup water, boiling

* 1/2 apple or pear, cut into slices

* 1 handful almonds, whole

* 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup

* 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1.) Pour packets of McDougall’s Instant Oatmeal into a bowl and bring water to a boil.  Slice apple or pear and reserve.

2.) Pour boiling water over oatmeal, stir, and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes.

3.) When oatmeal is ready (it’s double in size), dress in sliced apples (or pears), almonds, cinnamon, and maple syrup.  Enjoy! Makes 1-2 servings.

–Helana Brigman