Ingredient of the Month: Oats

Today’s Ingredient of the Month is not of the fresh variety (as these usually are). This is something that you may eat a lot of, whether you notice it or not.

The humble oat is a wonderful ingredient to have on hand, as it has a unique texture, crisps in the oven and adds health and fiber to many recipes.

Tell me more:

Oats are a type of grain that comes in many different forms: rolled, crushed or ground into oat flour. I like to buy old fashioned or rolled oats to keep on hand for cooking and baking with.

Where do I buy it:

You can buy oats at any grocery store, and you may have to choose from steel cut oats, old fashioned or rolled oats, and quick cooking oats.

Where do I store it:

You can easily store your oats in the package that they came in, ensuring that no air is getting in the package. I like to keep mine in a large glass, sealed container in my pantry.

How do I use it:

There are so many ways to use oats. Not only do they make most desserts even better, but they can be used for many savory things, as well.

I just recently started making homemade oatmeal, which is super easy. All you have to do is use a 1:2 ratio of oats to water in a small saucepan (throw in some diced apples and cinnamon), then cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and water is absorbed. Add in a little butter, extra cinnamon and milk for a perfect bowl of homemade oatmeal! (It’s so much better than the store-bought packets.)