Directions for Making Quaker Oatmeal

On a cold day, few things say, "Good morning!" like a hot bowl of oatmeal. Quaker, the company that has manufactured breakfast cereal since the late 1800s, markets more than a dozen types of oats. The main difference between Quaker's Steel Cut Oats, Old-Fashioned Oats, Quick Oats and Instant Oats is the amount of processing the flakes go through before being packaged. The amount of liquid needed and cooking times vary for each type.

Quaker Instant Oatmeal comes in pre-measured packets and bowls containing about 1 ounce of whole grains in addition to other ingredients such as sugar, salt and other flavors and preservatives. To prepare, pour the contents of one packet into a microwave-safe bowl and add up to 2/3 cup milk or water. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove it from the microwave and stir. For thicker oatmeal, use less liquid. For softer oatmeal, cooker longer. Alternatively, you can make instant oatmeal by adding hot milk or boiling water to the packet of oats and skip the microwave. For on-the-go bowls, add water to the fill line and microwave.

To prepare quick-cooking oats, combine 1 cup of water or milk, 1 cup of oats and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat until boiling and stir until thickened, about one minute. For chewier oats, boil the water and salt first, and then add oats and cook. For microwave preparation, combine water, oats and salt and microwave on high for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Quick Oats do not contain sugar, so add your favorite sweetener and other ingredients to taste.

To cook Quaker's original Old-Fashioned Oats, combine 1 cup of water or milk, 1 cup of oats and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir for 5 minutes, until thickened. For chewier oats, boil the salted water, and then add oats and continue to cook until thickened. To cook Old-Fashioned Oats in the microwave, combine liquid, oats and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Add sugar, spices or other ingredients to taste.

Make oatmeal tastier and more nutritious with the addition of other ingredients, such as peanut butter, applesauce, chopped fresh or dried fruit, yogurt, cinnamon, cardamom, honey or nuts.