Oatmeal gives comfort food a nutritious boost

You can keep a New Year’s resolution by eating healthy even when you have waffles. At least you can when you’ve packed them with toasted oatmeal, buttermilk and a hint of cinnamon.By Jackie Burrell If the healthful hopes of January 1 included such resolutions as “eat a healthy breakfast” and “more whole grains, baby,” here’s some happy news:You can have your waffles and eat healthfully, too.At least you can when you’ve packed them with toasted oatmeal, buttermilk and a hint of cinnamon.Packed with antioxidants, high-fibre oatmeal fills you up, warms your soul and makes your heart (and other body parts) happier and healthier. Just go easy on the syrup. Toasted Oatmeal Waffles Makes 9 standard-size waffles Note: If you’re watching your weight — or planning to add butter at the table — you can reduce the amount of butter in the batter. Ingredients6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats1 ¾ cups water2 tablespoons packed brown sugar1 cup buttermilk1 cup all-purpose flour1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder3/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon baking soda2 large eggs, beaten Method1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add oatmeal; cook, stirring frequently for 8 to 10 minutes, or until browned with a deeply rich, toasty fragrance.2. Off heat, carefully pour in water; mixture will steam and sputter. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until water is absorbed and oatmeal is thick and creamy, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; stir in remaining butter and brown sugar, mixing well. Stir in buttermilk. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.3. Preheat your waffle iron.4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and baking soda.5. Whisk beaten eggs into the oatmeal mixture. Pour oatmeal mixture into dry ingredients; fold gently with a rubber spatula just until batter is evenly moistened.6. Pour a generous 1/2-cup batter into the centre of the waffle iron. Use the spatula to spread the batter to about 1/2-inch from the edge. Close lid; bake the waffle to desired doneness. Repeat with remaining batter. Baked Oatmeal Serves 6 generously Ingredients2 cups rolled (not instant) oats1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted, divided1/3 cup natural cane sugar or maple syrup1 teaspoon aluminium-free baking powder1 ½ teaspoons cinnamonScant 1/2 teaspoon salt2 cups milk1 large egg3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, divided2 teaspoons vanilla extract2 ripe bananas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces1 ½ cups mixed berries Method1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter an 8-inch square baking dish.2. In a bowl, mix together the oats, half of the walnuts, sugar (if using), baking powder, cinnamon and salt.3. In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (if using), milk, egg, half of the butter and vanilla.4. Arrange bananas in a single layer in prepared pan. Sprinkle with two-thirds of the berries. Cover with oat mixture. Drizzle with milk mixture. Scatter remaining berries and walnuts on top.5. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is nicely golden and oat mixture has set. Let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining melted butter on top and serve with more sugar or maple syrup, if you wish.  Chai Oatmeal Serves 2 Ingredients1/2 cup soy milk1/2 cup milk2 tablespoons honey2 cinnamon sticks1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground1 star anise5 to 8 green cardamom pods, unopened1 cup whole rolled oats Method1. In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, the milks, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise and cardamom. Bring to a simmer; turn off heat and steep for 10 minutes.2. Strain out the spices, then return the milk to the same pot. Add oats; bring to a simmer over medium heat.3. Reduce heat to low; cover loosely. Cook without stirring for about 10 minutes, or until the oatmeal thickens to desired consistency. Serve with milk and sweetener of choice, if desired. Banana-Ginger Oatmeal Serves 3 to 4 Ingredients1/4 to 1/2 cup crystallised ginger1 cup whole rolled oats1 cup milk or soy milk1 medium banana, peeled and sliced1 tablespoon flaxseeds, optional1 tablespoon honeyPinch salt1 tablespoon sugar, optional Method1. Chop the ginger into small pieces.2. Put all the ingredients into a 1-quart saucepan with 1 ¼ cups water; stir to combine. Cook over low to medium heat until oatmeal simmers lightly, about 15 minutes. Serve with strawberries and honey, if desired. — Contra Costa Times/MCT