Ever since my trip to the Dole Summit last November, you might say that I have become a bit obsessed with oatmeal.  Every hotel I have stayed in between then and now, I’ve managed a bowl for breakfast, topped with sugar, fresh fruit, and granola.  Growing up, it’s just not something we ate.  Sure, from time to time, Mom would buy those individual packets of instant oatmeal, but I can’t say we even finished all of those.  Like I said, just not something we ate.

I think it may be because of the mealy texture of plain oatmeal.  It’s mushy.  It’s just…blah.  But topped with a crisp piece of fruit, or fresh berries, and a handful of granola?  You have a very tasty, very mouth pleasing meal.

Our town recently got a McDonalds, and as much as I detest everything fast food, I’ll own up that this McDonalds has seen me a few times.  I can’t help it!  it’s so nice inside – computers at the table that have games (for Seven, woo hoo!), a nice fireplace, large screen TVs, big comfy chairs for relaxing, and free Wi-Fi.  They also have a pretty tasty oatmeal.  So, for a relaxing breakfast where I know Seven will sit still and eat, while I can answer emails and read my favorite blogs?  I guess I’ll be at McDonalds.  Just don’t tell.

However, I have been craving oatmeal more than once every 10 days, so I’ve been making it at home.  I imagine there are a few people out there who have limited oatmeal making experience, too, or maybe never made it at all, so if you’re an old hand at it,  bear with me while I share this simple recipe with them.

Homemade Oatmeal with Granola & Pears

• 1/2 cup Instant Quaker Oats
• 1 cup Water
• dash of salt
• 2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar (or to taste)
• dash of cinnamon, or to taste
• 2 Tablespoons Milk
• 1/2 Fresh Pear, cubed
• 2 Tablespoons Raisins or Craisins (I used Blueberry Craisins)
• 1/4 cup Granola

Place the oats in a microwave safe bowl, and add the salt and water.  Microwave for one and a half minutes.  Mix in the sugar and milk.  Top with the cinnamon, pear, Craisins, and granola.  Serve and enjoy!

Simple?  You bet.  But it’s delicious, and a great easy start to the day.  You could also pair it with a couple of scrambled eggs and have a complete and heart healthy meal.  Early last week, the USDA announced that eggs are 14 percent lower in cholesterol and 64% higher in vitamin D than previously recorded, which simply means – that’s great news for folks who love eggs but were unnecessarily staying away from them because of concerns about dietary cholesterol.  Personally, we love eggs here at Casa Doughmesstic, so hearing this is great for us!  (Think of how many eggs are in a cake, people!  Cake is HEALTHIER now!)

To celebrate the good egg news, click through for a little Egg Lover Giveaway, courtesy of The US Egg Board!

On a similar note…Curious about granola?  You can certainly make it yourself, and the granola I use is based on Holly’s fantastic recipe, found here, on her PheMOMenon site.  You can also purchase it in grocery stores, or even by the pound in whole food stores, such as my local Annie K’s.  You should try making it yourself though, at least once!  It’s so simple!