Homemade Oatmeal Cereal

Homemade oatmeal cereal can be dressed up with additional ingredients.

Homemade cereal is a healthy addition to any breakfast repertoire. The benefit of making homemade oatmeal cereal is that every batch can be tweaked. Flavors can be adjusted according to your cravings or via fruits that are in season. Working off a plain-base cereal leaves options open.

Things You'll Need

• Rolled oats, the quick cooking variety
• Vanilla
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Raisins
• Sliced or chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans
• Dried dates
• Dried cranberries, cherries or blueberries
• Oil

Instructions

1. Combine 3 cups of liquid to 2 cups of oats. Stir together in a medium size saucepan. Use a variety of liquids such as water, milk, cream or other liquids to enhance the other flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add a dash of salt during the process.

2. Flavor your oatmeal. Add maple syrup, light corn syrup, brown sugar, white granulated sugar or sugar substitute for sweetness. Lower the heat to simmer the mixture. Taste the mixture to ensure the right level of sweetness has been achieved.

3. Add dried fruits and nuts to the cereal; these will add crunch and variety to the flavor. Combine dried blueberries, brown sugar and slivered almonds to create a blueberry crumble flavor. Mix together cranberries, walnuts and a little bit of orange peel for a hearty fall-flavored oatmeal. Using chocolate chips, pecans and walnuts can make an oatmeal cereal reminiscent of cookies.

4. Add additional spices and flavorings. Use vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or other flavored extracts to further enhance flavors. Taste the oatmeal before and after adding any spice or extract.

5. Simmer the oatmeal on low heat for 15 to 30 minutes. Adjust time based on ingredients. Cook longer for dried fruit varieties.

6. Write down the flavor combination you used. Note which flavors were best suited for the combination you tried. Serve immediately once the oatmeal cereal comes off of the stove.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve oatmeal warm and top with a dash of milk or cream.

• Keep boiling oatmeal far back on the stove to prevent accidental injury.

References

• Epicurious: Miced Grain And Wild Rice Cereal
• Help Guide: Healthy Recipes
• Epicurious: Old Fashioned Oatmeal With Apples, Raisins And Honey-Toasted Walnuts