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Ode to steel cut oats

Listening to Oprah while I fixed supper one night - she had Dr Oz on. He was showing body parts and talking about being healthy. I want to be healthy. I wish I could eat candy and be healthy. Anyway, he suggested that one of the reasons we (American's in general...perhaps me specifically) struggle with weight is there are too many choices. We just have to eat a lot to taste it all. Boy, ain't that the truth?

He then started talking about a healthy breakfast and recommended steel cut oats. If every person would eat just that one thing everyday for breakfast they would be healthier. He then talked about the health benefits. That sounded reasonable to me...especially since he didn't say - don't eat....desserts. I then tried to find them...and the only ones I could find were Irish Steel Cut Oatmeal at $4.00 a pound. You have got to be kidding? But...I bought them and decided to give them a try. (Cute little tin can, huh?) The link talks about the nutritive value. I then found some in the bulk food section at Yokes. I brought them home and gave them both a try. They kind of look like grapenuts and are also called pinhead oats. OH YUM!
We had to figure out how to get them cheaper. Thank you Mr Google. I bought 50 pounds from here.
And only $1.00 per pound with $4.50 shipping no matter how much or where it is shipped to.
It is the nuttiest most delicious breakfast. I can/do eat it everyday.  They are nutty - course texture, not slimmy and pasty like oatmeal.  Granola on top - oh my. My favorite is a banana.

And while brown sugar is really good
- a couple tablespoons of coffeemate type creamer almost puts this food in the dessert catagory.
If you want to give them a try...my experience...you can toast the oats before you add water...I tried it...can't tell the difference in taste so I skip that step. Traditonally they are eaten with buttermilk - I like buttermilk but didn't like it on this...and I don't have it on hand all the time.  I make my 3 parts water to 1 part oats. Use a big enough pan to give some boiling room as it tends to boil 'up' a bit.  Bring water to a boil and stir in the oats.If you stir for a little bit at this stage...there is less sticking in the pan. It takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook - stir occasionally. I make a big batch the first of the week while I am fixing supper and then just put in the refrigerator and heat up each day in the microwave.
The thing I like about these Honeyville Oats is they are coursely cut - which in my opinion  makes them better.
They really they are delicious!

A fun double date

To the Olive Garden for soup, salad and bread sticks...
Then a brisk walk to Aunties Book store to brouse

A photo op at the Pottery Barn (almost looks like our lovely home, doesn't it? I guess the price tag on the pillow gives us away!?)

Remember what is always says in those little community newspapers?...."A fun time was had by all."

It Couldn't be Done...

For our reunion...the theme..."I Can Do Hard Things' Carson has suggested we memorize the following poem.

Great idea Carson!

It Couldn’t be Done

By Edgar A Guest

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,

But he with a chuckle replied

That “maybe it couldn’t” but he would be one

Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.

So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;

At least no one ever has done it”;

But he took off his coat and he took of his hat,

And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,

Without any doubting or quiddit,

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you one by one,

The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,

Just take off your coat and go to it;

Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing

That “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.

I am a yuppy Grandma

And I have to tell you...it is OKAY! In fact, it is so simple. Why have I resisted?  I know all about homemade goodness and I still like homemade goodness....but I have to tell you this generation is on to something.
I needed to have some sugar cookies for a little Christmas project I am working on, and so yesterday while in WalMart (yes, I went to WalMart yesterday and that deserves another entire post -shopping at WalMart Christmas week) and while there I spied this package that said, HOMEMADE cookies in 20 minutes. What the heck...I'll give it a go.
Wwwwweeeeelllllll

Let me tell you - that was slick...and like the package says...in only 20 minutes and six of that was the baking. You don't even have to chill the dough, what is with that?  And they are tasty...as good as HOMEMADE. I followed directions - except added 1 tsp almond extract with the egg. So so so simple. Do I care about preservatives? I mean, it is a SUGAR cookie for goodness sake..it isn't like I am trying to eat healthy if I am munching a sugar cookie, right? So it is twenty minutes later - cookies are made AND frosted and I can doodley do at something else. I think this yuppie's is a good thing.  So Ms Martha...add that to your list of 'good things'. WOW.  It even makes the Grandma thing easier, now, where is that gingerbread house kit I bought?