Saturday, January 8, 2011

Papa Bear Oatmeal

Last Saturday, I happened to be flipping through the channels and noticed that Food Network was hosting a breakfast and brunch theme for the day.  Since I love all things breakfast and brunch related, I recorded all the episodes, even some of the shows that I don't normally watch.  Last night I had some free time and I got caught up on hours and hours of every delicious breakfast food you can imagine.  The one recipe that stuck with me, really stuck with me, was this Papa Bear Oatmeal from Paula's newer show, Paula's Best Dishes.   
I wanted it right then and there and vowed to wake up and make it for breakfast this morning.  Lucky for me, I had all the ingredients.  Old-Fashioned oatmeal cooked on the stove with juicy plump raisins, poured in a bowl and doused with a little milk, brown sugar, sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and maple syrup.  Wow!  Not only is this a beautiful breakfast, it's quick, it's easy, it's healthy, and it feels extremely indulgent.  I can't wait to make it again!
Serves 4
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 2/3 cup raisins
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (I used 2% milk)
  • Brown sugar, for serving
  • Honey, for serving ( I used maple syrup)
  • blueberries (optional, my addition)
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 1/2 cups water and the salt to a boil. Stir in the oats and simmer until almost thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the raisins and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more
Spoon the oatmeal into individual bowls and serve. Place the banana and strawberry slices, cream (or milk) , brown sugar, and honey or maple syrup into the oatmeal bowl. Stir if desired. 

Notes/Results:  I was blown away by how delicious this oatmeal really was.  I couldn't believe how tasty it was and can't wait to make it again. 
One of my best blogging friends, Teresa at A Blog About Food, tagged me in "4 things about me".  Normally I'm really bad at these tagging games.  It's not that I don't want to participate, it's just that I forget. If you tagged me and I didn't respond, please don't take it personally.  Chances are that I made a mental note to respond and then forgot.  I'm scatterbrained like that. This year I'm going to try and do better with them.  

Anyway, I lead a real exciting and riveting life (ha-ha)!  Here goes:

Four shows I watch:
1. True Blood.  Best Show Ever.  Period.
2. Vampire Diaries.  Yes, there is a theme here.  Ever since I can remember, my favorite shows have always been vampire-based or mafia-based.  I can't explain why, especially since I don't really like gore.  Go figure.
3. I Survived.  Okay.  Has anybody else seen this show on the Biography channel?  Holy cow.  You just can't believe that people can survive the things they do.  It's amazing, and scary, and unnerving.  Sometimes I have to make myself watch it.  You know, just in case.
4. Hawaii Five-O.   Two words ladies.  EYE CANDY! I first started watching Hawaii Five-O because of Alex O'Loughlin.  I loved him in the vampire series Moonlight, but it was canceled.  When I heard he would be in the new Hawaii Five-O I had to watch it.  Alex O'Loughlin is gorgeous. Completely and totally drop dead gorgeous.  I think he's just about the most handsome man ever.  Did I say EVER?
 The eyes.
 The million dollar smile.
Like I said.  His eyes.  His smile ;-)
During the course of the show, I've also developed quite an infatuation for Scott Caan.  Normally I like men with dark hair and dark eyes, but Scott Caan.  I don't know.  There is just something about him that I find very appealing.  You can tell he's a little bit of a bad boy.  A little mischievous.  A little bit of a smart ass. A little bit of trouble.  A whole lotta fun.  Not to mention, his Dad is James Caan, who played Sonny Corleone in the mafia epic, Godfather. What's not to like about that?
At any rate, Hawaii Five-O is a great show, with lots of eye candy.  I don't miss a single episode.  You shouldn't either.  The way I see it, men have way too much eye candy all the time.  We ladies deserve some too!

Four Things I'm passionate about:
1. Cooking.  I spend most of my time doing it, reading about it, thinking about it, and even dreaming about it.
2. Books.  Books have got to be the best things ever.  Each book is like a brand new adventure. No Kindle for me though.  I have to hold the book, it's part of the beauty for me.
3. Laughing.  I love to laugh.  Chuckling, big laughs, belly laughs, laughing so-hard-you-need-to-cross-your-legs, laughing until you cry, laughing until your temples ache,  laughing until you fall on the floor, and of course, laughing until you snort.  Good times!

4. Traveling. It really doesn't matter where to.  I just like to see different places and meet new people.  I could have a fantastic time in Boise, Idaho or Paris, France.  Every place has something unique to offer.

Four phrases I use a lot:
1. Brush your teeth/hair!  Or, my personal favorite "Groom yourself."  (Mainly for the benefit of my 9 year old daughter).
 2. Shut the doorYou're letting all the cold air in. (Again, for the benefit of my 9 year old).
3. Quit fighting.  (As an only child I really don't understand all the sibling fights).
4. Put your clothing on.  (My son is going through a phase right now).

Four things I've learned in the past:
1. Raising children is an extremely challenging job.   Just when you think you get the hang of it.....someone comes and pulls the rug out from under you. 
2. All you need in life is one good friend.  One good friend can make all the difference.

3.  You have to learn how to adjust.  When I was younger, my Grandpa would always tell me that the key to life was "learning how to adjust".  I never knew what the heck he was talking about, but now I get it.  Life is full of changes and you have to learn how to adjust in order to hang in there.
4.  Always remember who you are and where you come from. I mean this in the deepest sense possible.  Don't let anything get in the way of being who you are.

Four places I'd like to go:
1. Ocean City, Maryland.  We went there every year when I was growing up and I haven't been there in about 15 years.  I'd love to go back, see some old family friends, and take the kids.  Spend the days the beach.  Spend the nights on the boardwalk.  Smell the fresh salty air.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana. I've never been there, but I have a deep romance for it.  The culture, the food, the drinks, the architecture, the wildlife, the gardens, the people.  I have to get there one day.  That will be a trip made either with my friends, my Mom, or my husband.  The kids.....not going!
3. San Antonio, Texas.  I'd like to spend some time on the Riverwalk.  Most of all, I'd just like to see the area, eat some good Tex-Mex, and drink lots of tasty Margaritas.  Preferably alone with my husband.
4. Alaska.  My Dad was in the Army at the height of the Vietnam War. He thought for sure that he was going to Saigon.  When his orders came, he was surprised to find that he was being sent to Fairbanks, Alaska.  Thank God my Dad never had to go war in Vietnam.  Instead, he spent two years with the Army up in Fairbanks, Alaska doing maneuvers and practicing survival skills.  Ever since I can remember, he has loved sharing stories about his time in Fairbanks, Alaska.  You can just hear the passion for Alaska in his stories. I know he'd love the chance to go there again and I'd love to go with him.
 Four things I did yesterday:
1. Burnt and blistered my lip on Dorie Greenspan's Potato-Leek soup.  Apparently that new Dutch oven really keeps the food steaming hot.
Dorie's Potato-Leek Soup with Crouton for FFwD

2. Talked to my best friend on the phone for 2 hours.
3. Shampooed, mopped, and vacuumed the downstairs carpet and floors.
4. Enjoyed several hours of quiet time while my husband took the kids to his Mom's house.

Four things I love about winter:
1. Snow.  I'm crazy about snow.  I think it's magically beautiful.
2. Peace and Quiet.  I love that no one is knocking on the door and the phone isn't ringing off the hook.  It seems like everything quiets down in the winter.
3. Being cozy and snuggling up in PJ's with blankets, slippers, etc. It's the best!
4. Relaxing and staying in. The rest of the year is a mad dash, but wintertime is relaxing and lazy with lots of time for movies, cooking, etc.

I'm supposed to tag 4 people, but I'm no good at picking and choosing.  If you'd like to play along, feel free to.

In the meantime, I'm running out to the store for more oatmeal so that I can have some Papa Bear Oatmeal in the morning! I can't get enough of it!

22 comments:

  1. Wow, what a great and loaded full of great stuff post, Kim! Since we eat oatmeal nearly every other day at the 'least', I could definitely see adding berries to my bananas on top. It's always been either - or, and never 'all'. Great idea.

    Eye candy indeed. But I started watching Hawaii Five-O for the Korean guy from "Lost" . . . they are all such lookers on that show. I'm glad it is doing well.

    I loved all of the lists of "4" about you! Sorry you burned your lip; I usually burn my tongue, but neither is any fun!

    Have a great evening in Kentucky; it's getting so cold tonight here!

    Hugs!

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  2. I love that oatmeal post. It really looks so delicious. I'm an oatmeal fan and this recipe is wonderful.

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  3. What a beautiful and healthy bowl of oatmeal...perfect for a winter morning. Loved learning a little more about you too. :)

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  4. Love the oatmeal, and I love True Blood, too!

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  5. love this oatmeal and your answers your great kim

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  6. That oatmeal looks delish~ as do most of the photos :-)
    I haven't been by in a month of sundays. Glad to see you've been busy.

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  7. That oatmeat looks amazing, for sure! I know my son would love this. Loved reading your 4 things. I had no idea there was a new Hawaii 5-0!

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  8. I eat oatmeal for breakfast almost every weekend and I can't wait to try this one next weekend. I have everything to make it (frozen strawberries and blueberries) and I even have the heavy cream, BUT I think I'll do what you did and use milk instead. It looks SO good Kim!

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  9. I love oatmeal for breakfast...I have it almost everyday! I wish mine looked as pretty as yours does :)

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  10. oatmeal is such a great breakfast, i would love to start my day with that bowl any day of the week! the picture is beautiful!

    this was so fun to read, it's always a blast to get to know fellow bloggy buddies better. i'm glad you're a true blood fan, i'm waiting for season three to come out adn i'm DYING to see it! you will LOVE alaska, i worked there for a summer when i was in my early 20's and it was the best summer of my life. i can't wait to go back and see it again.

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  11. I like oatmeal, but I definitely don't eat it enough...THIS particular oatmeal however? I MUST HAVE SOME THIS WEEK! Gorgeous photos, too! And I loved learning a bit more about you...so fun!!!

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  12. I love oatmeal, too, Kim, but have a love affair going with Irish oatmeal. Had it today with chopped golden delicious apples. Will definitely try it "loaded" when I can lay my hands on some decent berries. I, too, love Hawaii 5-0; wish I could remember more about the original TV series, but for sure the eye candy wasn't there. You will adore N'awlins and the Riverwalk. I studied magazines before I visited each place so I could eat in all the favorite spots I could afford. I remember a memorable meal at Boudron's (I think that was it) in San Antonio. Woke up at 3 AM with the worst heartburn ever, but so worth it. Hope you get there soon. Oh, Alaska and the real deal crabs is a must, too.

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  13. Fun answers, Kim - I wish I could send you the snow.

    I lOve that oatmeal (and would use 2% also). I mean - I make oatmeal four days a week - might as well liven it up a bit!

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  14. The oatmeal sounds insanely good Kim! I could eat that for breakfast lunch or dinner! And besides that the name is cute. I can relate to you so much! Love True Blood and Vampire Diaries(never saw Hawaii Five-O). I'm also in love with New Orleans even though I've never been - I dream of picking up and moving there - I've been known to do crazy things like that! And I love everything you mentioned about winter and more! Thanks for sharing!

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  15. I loved reading more about you! You know what show has great eye candy? Mad Men. Whew! Love Hawaii five-0 too.
    I adore oatmeal so this is right up my alley. Any new way possible to enjoy oatmeal is a great way to start the day.

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  16. This oatmeal rocks! I've been hunting for something yummy for breakfast.

    Love your about me. Alaska is awesome! I was there for a month way back in 1985, on the Kenai Peninsula. I caught a 40 King Salmon. :) I really must check out the new Hawaii Five-O, I've heard lots of good things.

    Have a terrific week!

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  17. OH yes, the Hawaii five o men are beyond perfection. LOVE them!

    The oatmeal sounds so tasty, and yes indulgent. Perfect way to start your day..

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  18. OMG! 4 things I love about winter? I haaaaaaaaate winter. I can only think of one thing: not mowing the lawn.
    I love this porridge, it is so pretty and delicious looking.
    *kisses* HH

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  19. Okay so where has that beautiful man been all my life, and why do I not have a poster of him on my wall? I don't know either. This situation needs to be remedied.

    I love the sound of this oatmeal! Definitely a great way to spruce up a morning stand-by.

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  20. Fun learning more about you, Kim!
    I love oatmeal. I make the steel oats kind..McCann.

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  21. That is one beautiful bowl of oatmeal. ;-)

    I of course love True Blood and enjoy Vampire Diaries. Hawaii Five-O is fun to watch to identify all the different places on Oahu and for all the eye candy. ;-)

    Fun to learn even more about you. ;-)

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  22. Seriously, I think I love you! LOVE Hawaii-Five-0 for the very same reasons! Have a grandson that is having the same issues with keeping on clothes. And I'm a Kentucky woman living in Minnesota so I don't really share your love of snow! Your blog is awesome!

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