Oatmeal
By: Anonymous

About

Oatmeal is a porridge made with oats.

Information
Other names: Hot Slop, Grits
Translations: Auzu milti, Avižiniai dribsniai, Fulgi de ovăz, Zobena kaša, Cháo bột yến mạch, Owsianka, Havermout, जई का आटा, Aveia, Овсяная каша, Πλιγούρι βρώμης, دقيق الشوفان, 오트밀, Ovesná mouka, Havermut, Otmil, 燕麦粥, Farina de civada, Ovsene, Ovsená kaša, Farina d'avena, דייסת שיבולת שועל, Havregrynsgröt, Овсена каша, オートミール, Flocons d'avoine, Haferflocken, Havregrød, Havregrøt, Harina de avena, Вівсяна каша, Kaurapuuro, Овесена каша


Physical Description
Toasted oats that is pasty, light brown, and sometimes tasteless, thus the toppings listed above. 
Colors: light brown or white


Tasting Notes
Flavors: bland
Mouthfeel: Thick, Sloppy.
Food complements: Pancakes, Fruit
Wine complements: Pinot grigio
Beverage complements: Milk, Tea, Coffee, Juice
Substitutes: Grits, Rice porridge


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Peak: february, march, april, september, opctober, november
Choosing: Look for fresh smell.
Buying: You can purchase at local grocery store. Can be bought in bulk.
Procuring: Oats can be milled from the field...


Preparation and Use
Depending how big the flakes are, oatmeal can take between 5 and 15 minutes to cook. For 1/3 cup oats, add 2/3 cup milk or water, bring to a boil and lower heat.
There are also instant oatmeal that can be made in the microwave.
Recommended Oatmeal Toppings:
honey
brown sugar
orange zest
maple syrup
bananas
raisins
dried cranberries
toasted almonds
peanuts
coconut
pineapple
bacon
grapes
apricots
peaches
chia seeds
chopped walnuts
Cleaning: Warm water and dish detergent will easily remove all the oatmeal paste.


Conserving and Storing
In a sealed container, keep oats in a dry cool place.


Social/Political
There has been increasing interest in oatmeal in recent years due to its health benefits. Daily consumption of a bowl of oatmeal can lower blood cholesterol, due to its soluble fiber content. After reports found that oats can help lower cholesterol, an "oat bran craze" swept the U.S. in the late 1980s, peaking in 1989. The food fad was short-lived and faded by the early 1990s. The popularity of oatmeal and other oat products again increased after the January 1997 decision by the Food and Drug Administration that food with a lot of oat bran or rolled oats can carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease, when combined with a low-fat diet. NOTE: That would not be oatmeal topped with everything under the sun.
History: Oatmeal has a long history in Scottish culinary traditions because oats are better suited than wheat to the short, wet growing season. Therefore, it became the staple grain of that country.

Comments:
Marla Meridith

Please check out my Oatmeal 7 Flavor Ways  at:
http://familyfreshcooking.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/oatmeal-bowls-7-flavor-ways/