Heart Healthy and Delicious

Now I am going to attempt a recipe ala SmittenKitchen, Tara and Trista's favorite recipe blog. I have to skip the cute baby pictures for now...no pressure.

Strawberry Oatmeal.

I know. A lot of people hate oatmeal, but this isn't your mother's oatmeal..or at least it isn't MY mother's oatmeal. The main difference is that I use milk instead of water. It adds an amazing richness and I use non-fat milk to keep it heart healthy.

1/2 cup oatmeal (the old fashioned kind, you must have some you use for oatmeal cookies, if not you will now.)
1 cup nonfat milk
pinch of salt, just a pinch, but you can leave it out if you have to limit salt intake.

This is for one serving. And to be honest if I am just making it for one I use the microwave, but it is easy to boil over and make a huge mess, so I like to do it in a pan on the stove. So just double it to:
1 cup oatmeal
2 cups nonfat milk
pinch of salt


While that is cooking over medium heat, slice up a small handful of strawberries and sprinkle your choice of sweetener over them. I use Splenda. I used to use powdered sugar.


When the pot just starts to bubble and the oatmeal starts to thicken, remove from heat and pour into a bowl (or two). I stir in a teaspoon or so of Splenda in each bowl. Here comes the fun part. Put a dollop of Cool Whip on top and then top that with strawberries. Not breakfast any more, now it's dessert.


When I don't have strawberries I add brown sugar Splenda (Do you think I can get money from them for mentioning them so much? Maybe a year's supply or something?) and cinnamon. Then I add it to my coffee..yum. If Tara isn't around I will add peeled and chopped apples when I start to cook. (Granny Smith) Apples and Cinnamon Oatmeal. Another personal favorite. It only takes minutes and lasts me until my late lunch. Unless someone brings doughnuts, then all bets are off. Does the oatmeal cancel out the fat from the doughnuts? Someone needs to do a study..I'll volunteer.