We love oatmeal, especially on those cold winter mornings before we head out to put a peg in the ground. Oats provide tons of needed whole grain complex carbs to power through a round, and there are plenty of ways to fix this complete morning starter.
TYPES OF OATMEAL
Many people recognize oatmeal that comes in little self serve packets that you simply pour hot water over and it's ready to eat. NEWS ALERT: This is not oatmeal! Rather, this is watery, sugary, porridge that provides lots of calories and little nutritional value.
Real oatmeal comes in four forms.
Steel Cut Oats are the least processed of all the oatmeal types. It is the whole oat groat with the indelible husk removed and cut into what looks like small cylinders. The taste of steel oats is very nutty and and provides, for this writer, the best oatmeal experience because of the full flavored taste and thick creamy texture.
Scottish Oats are similar to steel cut oats, but they are ground instead of cut and provide a more porridge like texture.
Rolled Oats are sometimes referred to as old fashioned oats and provide the same nutritional benefits as steel cut oats. The oats are are steamed and rolled into a flake and are probably the most commonly eaten style. The texture is that of a museli type cereal. You also find rolled oats in most cold cereals and granola mixes.
Quick Oats are sometimes called instant oats and are the least hardy of all the oats and have the least flavor. The consistency of quick oats is between Scottish & rolled oats.
RECIPES
STEEL CUT OATS
Our basic recipe for steel cut oats is to boil 1 1/2 cups of water with a dash of salt. Once boiling, add a 1/2 cup of oats. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. We mix in vanilla protein powder which adds a bit of sweetness. Then we mix in blueberries, black berries or strawberries. YUM!
COLD MASON JAR OATMEAL
Some people prefer cold cereal over a hot breakfast and, contrary to popular belief, you can make cold oatmeal for breakfast. Make it the night before and take it with you to the course to eat. Grab a Mason or other empty jar with a lid and fill about 1/2-2/3 with equal parts old fashioned oats and milk. Top with blueberries and cantaloupe and drizzle with a tablespoon of honey. Put the lid on the jar and refrigerate overnight. Next morning grab your mason jar and a spoon, and head out to make that early tee time.
There is no end to the concoctions you can create with oatmeal so give it a try. Be creative and get the energy you need to blow the doors off your morning foursome.
FLAVORINGS: Cinnamon & other spices, vanilla, almond or other extracts, Torani sugar free coffee flavorings, protein powders, yogurt, almond or rice milk, cocoa powder, low calorie maple syrup and coconut milk
ADDITIONS: Fresh fruit, dried fruit, coconut, nuts, seeds, pumpkin puree, bran, wheat germ, flax, egg whites