What’s Cooking

By Michael Piorunski

Staff Writer

Last week’s recipe offered a relatively quick and easy option for making a healthy dinner when you’re short on time, and school work is piling high. In this cognitively challenging road to the end of the semester it’s especially important to make sure to eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast.

Breakfast doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it does need to be consistent of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and possibly dairy to provide your body and brain with sufficient fuel to get you through the day. Oatmeal and berries is one of my favorite combinations to start the morning. Oats are rich in antioxidants called phenols, and packed with fiber. Also, the phenols in oats are more effective in combination with Vitamin C, which is a main staple in strawberries (one cup provides more than 100 percent of DV).

I prefer steel cut oats, also called "Irish style oats," over quick oats and rolled oats, and I stay away from the individually packaged oatmeal because it often contains added preservatives and sugars. Giant carries Nature’s Promise brand Steel Cut Oats in the cereal section for around $1.30 a pound. Also, strawberries are on sale this week so be sure to pick-up a package for breakfast and snacking.

Steel Cut Oats and Berries

½ cup Steel Cut Oats ("Irish Style Oats")

½ cup milk (or soymilk)

½ cup water

½ cup strawberries, sliced (about 3-4 medium berries)

Pinch of cinnamon

Dash of vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

1. Place oats in small or medium sized pot and toast for about 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Add cinnamon and swirl pot to coat oats, dry heat for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell cinnamon and a slight nutty scent from oats.

2. Add water first, then add milk (this will prevent milk from burning); bring to slow rolling boil. Add vanilla if using. After reaching a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes making sure to stir occasionally to prevent any from sticking to bottom and burning.

3. After the liquid looks half absorbed and oats start to thicken, add strawberries.

4. Remove from heat when water and milk is not quite completely absorbed and oats have softened.

Top with some fresh sliced berries and another pinch of cinnamon.

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