Best Blueberry Oatmeal Ever – recipe

When we were little, my sister and I would always fight over the blueberry instant oatmeal packets. We’d end up with loads of Quaker variety packs full of banana, peach and strawberry (which we refused to eat until we reached desperation). You couldn’t beat the blueberry.

I was enjoying brunch at Whole Foods one day (have you visited their buffet for breakfast? You should.) when inspiration hit. They have some of the most delicious oatmeal on their hot bar with assorted toppings. While I still love Whole Foods hot bar (and twist the Hubs’ arm regularly to eat there because of all the vegetarian options), it can be a bit expensive so finding an alternative to my new addiction was essential.

The following week, I ran across dried blueberries at Trader Joe’s. I had noticed these before, but had skipped over them because 1) they were expensive and 2) what was I going to do with dried fruit? DIY trail mix is not my thing. {And as a Public Health grad, I know that fruit in its raw form is always better than dried. I try to practice what I preach…sometimes}

With the homemade oatmeal recipe in my mind, I splurged on the dried blueberries and some sliced almonds.

This recipe is incredibly simple. I’m not even sure I can call it a true recipe because I’m not coming up with anything that isn’t completely obvious, but I felt strongly inclined to share this discovery with you in case it saves any of my fellow blueberry-oatmeal-enthusiasts the heartbreak of wasting all those other fruit packets (but if you’re in a rut with all those extra packets: take them to your coworkers as a breakfast donation – they’ll love you forever…or at least until the packets run out).

In addition to the toppings, you’ll need: your milk of choice, brown sugar and oats.

Why is the milk soy you ask? Well…After my Mom (yes, my meat-and-potatoes obsessed mother) suggested I watch the Forks Over Knives documentary on Netflix (when she pet sits for me, she always has a documentary recommendation when I return :)), I have been sticking to soy milk rather than cows milk {if you’re also obsessed with trying to live forever, watch the documentary for tips and I bet you’ll join me}. I have made zero progress with cutting out cheese [or butter…] so replacing the milk seems like a good enough start 😉

While you’re at Trader Joe’s picking up blueberries and sliced almonds (because obviously no one else sells these items), pick up a little carton of their soy creamer and try it in your coffee – it tastes like your coffee just morphed into a latte! Delish.

Ok – back to the oatmeal…

Here’s the basic recipe:

Ingredients

• Milk of choice, 1/2 cup
• Water, 1/2 cup
• Oats, 1/2 cup
• Dark brown sugar, 1 tsp
• Dried blueberries, 1 Tbsp (you could substitute cranberries, but the blueberries really elevate this dish…yes, I’m calling it a “dish” because this is my blog and I’ll be fancy when I want to)
• Sliced almonds, 1 Tbsp (you could substitute chopped walnuts or some other preferred raw nuts)

Directions

The recipe below is based on 1 serving. Multiply as you wish.

1. In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water to a boil.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup of the quick cooking oats. If you are using a different kind of oat, please adjust and follow the instructions on your package. 
3. Cook over medium (stirring a few times) for 1 minute or according to your oats package.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat when the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency or after the appropriate cooking time has passed.
5. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dark brown sugar and transfer the oatmeal to your serving bowl.
6. Top with 1 tablespoon each of dried blueberries and sliced almonds.
7. Pat yourself on the back because you just made an elegant dish of oatmeal. Go forward and enjoy this delicious treat you made with your own 2 hands!

Enjoy! 🙂