Variations of a Frugal Breakfast Staple

  Oatmeal is enjoyed several mornings a week here at the cottage.  I usually cook a country-style breakfast of bacon, eggs from our chickens, and potatoes when Colton is home, as it is his favorite meal of the day. But when it is just me and John, a simple bowl of oatmeal is on the menu.

'Carrot Cake' inspired oatmeal

  Oatmeal is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, so I can feel good about giving it to John as I know he's getting a nourishing breakfast.  Mom bonus: it only dirties one pot and takes about 10 minutes.

   It's also a very budget-friendly choice.  I did a cost breakdown at the request of a friend, based on a 1/2 cup serving size for each brand.  The cost was calculated from the prices at our nearest Walmart, without coupons, sales, and rebates:

• Great Value (generic store brand) Old Fashioned Oats, 42 oz canister: .09/serving

• Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, 42 oz canister: .11/serving

• Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Oats, 32 oz bag: .26/serving

                                                                                                                                                                   

  Even Bob's Red Mill, the most expensive option, is still a very frugal choice, especially if you can purchase it with coupons and rebates.  At full price, the cost works out to be the same as instant oatmeal packets, except it's organic and doesn't contain all of the artificial flavors and fillers.  We have eaten the generic brand (usually HEB, not Great Value), Quaker, and Bob's Red Mill.  It really just depends on what the best price is at the time of our shopping!

  Now, I do realize oatmeal can be a little...boring.  Because we eat it regularly, I've come up with a list of toppings and add-ins to create different, tasty variations.  (Toppings will, of course, affect the cost per serving depending on what you choose.)

Sweeteners

Maple Syrup

Honey

Raw/White/Brown Sugar

Applesauce

Add-ins and Toppings

Berries, fresh or frozen and thawed
Bananas
Cooked apples (I chop them up and cook them along with the oatmeal)
Shredded Coconut
Chopped Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
Peanut/Almond Butter
Chia Seeds
Flaxmeal
Shredded Carrots (again, cooked along with the oatmeal)
Raisins/Craisins
Coconut Oil/Butter/Cream
Cinnamon and/or other spices such as cloves or nutmeg

Cooked apple, cinnamon, and a light drizzle of honey

  Because we try to moderate the consumption of sugar in our home for health reasons, I will generally use less sweetener or omit it altogether if I add fruit to our oatmeal, especially bananas, since they are already sweet. When John was a baby, I would grind his oatmeal before cooking it so that it would be smooth, and then I would serve it (cooked) with applesauce and a touch of cinnamon mixed into it.  He loved it!  That is why I added applesauce to the sweetener section.  It all just depends on personal preference.  I would also add that the chia and flaxmeal can be added to any combination to boost the health benefits without greatly altering the taste.

Here are a few combinations that you might enjoy:

• Raisins, cinnamon, brown sugar 
• Blueberries, bananas, cinnamon, honey
• Shredded carrots (cooked right in the pot with the oatmeal, they finish at the same time), cinnamon, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, brown sugar- This carrot cake inspired combination is a good way to get a few veggies in!
• Diced apples (again, cooked right in the pot with the oats), honey, cinnamon, cloves 
• Bananas, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, sweetener of choice
• Almond/peanut butter, bananas, honey 

  While I have not personally tried it, my father-in-law prefers a savory oatmeal and mixes a bit of cooked sausage in with his.  Another that I didn't add to the list would be chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and pecans.  Now this would be more like a dessert and obviously not very healthy!  I think it could be an occasional treat, but I won't do it because I know John would be asking for "wah-wah-mip" (chocolate chips) every morning.  So it's a try-at-your-own-risk combo!  

  If you are accustomed to buying the flavored packets of instant oatmeal, draw inspiration from there and try to recreate the flavors you like at home.  It will be better for your health and your budget.

  What is your favorite way to eat oatmeal?  Let us know if you have any ideas for this frugal breakfast staple!