While I have been testing the Omnivore Bowl prototype, I mentioned my oatmeal recipe. Some people asked for more details, so here are the facts. Ready?

My oatmeal starts with the instant stuff that comes in a little paper pouch. You could use fancy, slow-cook oatmeal, but why bother? In the end, your goal is to replace as much of the oatmeal as you can with other taste treats.

1
Add lots of dried cherries.You can find them at most good grocery stores hiding near the raisins or other dried fruit. I buy mine in bulk from Michigan cherry growers and freeze them for use later. Your goal is to add as many cherries as you can stand. Start small and work your way up to that level.

2
Add ground flax seed.It contributes an intriguing nutty flavor and is probably really good for you. A heaping tablespoon does the trick for me.

3
Add nuts.In addition to a pleasant taste, nuts give a satisfying crunch. My favorite right now? Crushed walnuts. I also enjoy slivered almonds. Pecan are fine. Sometimes, I can find hickory nuts. They are excellent too. (Make sure you buy your hickory nuts shelled, since a hickory shell is impregnable.)

4
Holy Crap is optional.An organic cereal from Canada with chia, hulled hemp seeds, buckwheat, cranberries, a few raisins, organic apple bits, and a hint of cinnamon adds a different texture and more flavor. Toss in a teaspoon or more. You’ll feel all wholesome and virtuous. 

Top the whole mess with a splash of cream and you are good to go.

If you have done the mix correctly, there will be hardly any room for actual oatmeal and therefore the mix will taste great.

Don
Pittsburgh, June 15, 2017