A dollar doesn't go nearly as far as it used to, but that's okay...as long as you stock your pantry with the whole grain goodness of oatmeal. While it has earned an unfair reputation as being a blah sort of food that we only consume out of desperation when our cupboards are practically bare, it is one of the more perennial budget-friendly staples out there (a two pound canister can often be purchased during special sales events for around $1.29). Despite popular belief, the stick-to-your-ribs, nutrient-rich food can also be transformed with a little culinary creativity into a highly palatable work of art and it just so happens to be an easily morphing household ingredient that can be repurposed in a variety of surprisingly practical ways.
According to the American Cancer Society, the soluble fiber or beta-glucans in oatmeal act like a sponge, sweeping bad LDL cholesterol out of the body while also controlling blood glucose levels, reducing high blood pressure and creating the sensation of feeling fuller for a longer period of time. In fact, studies conducted throughout the past 15 years repeatedly confirm that when consumed on a regular basis, oats reduce total cholesterol levels, offering a natural alternative to those with moderate cholesterol issues. Additionally, its insoluble fibers sweep away carcinogens that lead to gastrointestinal cancers and its phytochemicals and lignans reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers that affect the breast, ovaries, prostate and endometrium. A 100 gram serving (which equals approximately 3 ½ ounces) contains a whopping 17 grams of protein along with an impressive array of major vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making it a great addition to a meat-free or semi-vegetarian diet. Behold the power of oatmeal:
For Skin and Personal Care:
1) Pulse oats in a food processor until they are finely ground and then add a few tablespoons into your bath water for a skin-pampering 30 minute soak that actually helps to combat eczema as well as the itching associated with chicken pox, sunburn and poison ivy. If you want to get really fancy, you can add milk and honey to the mix for a super-deluxe pampering treat!
2) Create an exfoliating facial mask by mixing finely ground oatmeal with honey and applying to the face for at least ½ hour before rinsing (or using egg whites in place of the honey). An alternative recipe is adding 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal along with one teaspoon of baking soda and a dash of water until a thick paste forms, scrubbing it into the skin (avoiding the delicate eye area) and washing it off after 15 minutes.
3) Mix 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal with 1 cup of baking soda and carefully sprinkle the mixture onto the center part of your hair to absorb excess oil when you have no time to take a shower. Leave it on for a few minutes before shaking it out, and if this doesn't appeal to you personally, consider trying it out on your stinky-smelling pet who is terrified of setting foot in water.
For Household Use:
1) Pour oats in a small dish to take advantage of their ability to naturally neutralize unpleasant household scents (especially cigarette smoke) or use in place of baking soda to absorb refrigerator odors.
2) Make a natural kiddie-clay alternative combining one cup of oats with 2/3 of a cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water until a solid lump forms. Then, knead it until it is smooth rather than sticky (adding extra flour if necessary) and refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to three days. The clay will harden overnight when exposed to air.
For Meal Time:
1) Ramp up the nutritional value of home-baked goods by sprinkling it into cookies, muffins, cakes, breads, pancakes, etc.
2) You can also make your own oat flour by grinding it in a blender - use just ½ cup in any recipe that calls for flour.
3) Make a filling smoothie!
4) Coat chicken cutlets and fish with egg and oatmeal before pan frying.
5) Use oats (rather than breadcrumbs) in meatballs, meatloaf and hamburgers.
6) Make a "healthy" brownie alternative by cooking oatmeal in a pot with skim milk and then adding a few teaspoons of sweetened cocoa powder to it. (This is more easily "sold" to dieting ladies than to gents.)
7) Top casseroles with a savory crumble combining one part parmesan cheese and one part butter with four parts oatmeal and a dash of freshly minced parsley - just bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes (or create a dessert version subbing sugar and spices in place of the parmesan and parsley).
8) Create savory patties using already cooked oats fried in a little butter or make a sweet version.
Now, if you're more of an oatmeal purist and prefer your cereal grains in bowl (thank you very much), then prepare to get your socks knocked off with Serious Eats' really, truly, madly delicious Banana Nut Oatmeal and French Toast Oatmeal recipes. You will never gravitate toward instant packets of sugary muck again. Ever.
Banana Nut Oatmeal
- serves 1 -
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
1 slightly overripe banana
1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/4 cup skim or 1% milk
1/3 cup water
3 teaspoons honey, separated
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A few shakes cinnamon
1 shake nutmeg
A few dashes Kosher salt
Procedure
1. In a small pan, toast walnuts. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cut banana in half. Chop one half into chunks and set aside. In your breakfast bowl, mash the other half with a fork until it forms a wet puree.
3. In a small pot, combine banana puree, oatmeal, milk, water, 2 teaspoons honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium until it reaches your preferred consistency, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour oatmeal into your breakfast bowl. Top with walnuts and banana chunks. Drizzle with remaining teaspoon honey.
French Toast Oatmeal
Serves 1.
Ingredients
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal
1/4 cup skim or 1% milk
1/2 cup water
3 teaspoons maple syrup, separated
1 1/2 tablespoons raisins, separated
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A few shakes cinnamon
A few dashes Kosher salt
Procedure
1. In a small pot, combine oatmeal, milk, water, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon raisins, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium until it reaches your preferred consistency, stirring occasionally.
2. Pour oatmeal into a bowl. Top with remaining raisins. Drizzle with remaining teaspoon syrup.
Do you have any unsung uses for oatmeal that you want to shout from the highest rooftop? Feel free to shout 'em below in the comments section!
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