Getting Your Day Started

You've been told it since childhood. And now science is confirming what your grandma said: oatmeal is good for you.

It lowers your cholesterol, it's relatively high in protein, and it's got fiber.

But maybe you have the problem my wife has: she doesn't like oatmeal. And all of these benefits are beside the point if you don't like the taste.

If the oatmeal you ate when you were a kid was a slimy bowl of ugh, here's a chance to have another try. This recipe is good. And it's easy. And it's one bowl, because you do everything in the microwave.

Put a handful of oats in a microwavable bowl. Add maybe a quarter teaspoon of salt. (Don't leave out the salt. In the first place, salt is good for you -- despite the nonsense you've been told -- and lots of foods just don't taste right without it. Oatmeal is one of them).

Now add some flavoring. I put in a spoonful or so of applesauce, and another spoonful of cottage cheese, which gives it added protein and calcium. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, which tastes good as well as being good for you: cinnamon helps keep blood sugar under control. Next add a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of peanut butter. Finally, cover the mix with water, cover it with a plate, and nuke for one minute.

Take the bowl out (be careful! it will be hot!) and stir the mix. If it's too dry, add a bit of water. (You can also use milk in place of part or all of the water). Nuke for another minute.

Now take it out and let it sit for 5 minutes. You've got to trust me on this one. Oatmeal is lots better when allowed to sit. If you like, add a few raisins, and then sweetener. I use some Splenda, but brown sugar is also good, as is stevia.