Overnight Steel Cut Oats

I never liked oatmeal growing up unless it was in the form of an oatmeal cookie. But I recently fell in love with steel cut oats and have made them a weekly breakfast item at my house. Steel-Cut Oats are whole grain groats, the inner portion of the oat kernel, which have been cut into only two or three pieces. Steel-cut oats have a very different texture from rolled oats and are much more coarse. And they have this delightful nutty flavor. Because of the way they are cut, they take a lot longer time to prepare. Initially that turned me off from wanting to try them. But when I don't have time to slow cook them, Trader Joe's has a quick version, Trader Joe's Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats, that cooks in 8 minutes.

Steel cut oats are rich in B-vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber, while low in sodium and unsaturated fat. One cup of steel-cut oats contains 8 grams of insoluble fiber.

Steel cut oats can be dressed up in many ways. Top it with nuts, cinnamon, toasted coconut, maple syrup, fresh fruit, figs or raisins. I also add flax seed to my oats. Flax seed can be purchased whole, ground and in oil form. I add flax seed to oatmeal, salads, shakes and yogurt. Flax seed has been reported to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, increase vitality, regulate blood sugar, enhance immune system, and act as a natural laxative.

Try some steel cut oats for breakfast...a very filling, nutritious breakfast treat!

Overnight Steel Cut Oats

1 c steel cut oats
1 3/4 c soy milk
1 tbsp Splenda brown sugar blend
6 oz unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

In a glass bowl combine oats, brown sugar, applesauce, and spices. Stir in soy milk; cover and chill overnight.

Before serving, transfer steel oats to a medium saucepan. Heat just to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with topping of your choice.

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