Quick & EASY Healthy Recipes Featuring...

OATS.  First thing one thinks of is goopy, unappetizing oatmeal.

Blech.

Taryn and I have been diligently researching our Food of the Month for February (now there's a tongue twister!) and oats definitely fit the bill since it is Heart Health Month.  Here are two great recipes featuring this filling, fibrous food (what's with all the tongue twisters?!).  I hope you enjoy!  And check out our 2 videos, featuring 10 ways to incorporate oats into your daily meals and documenting our cooking adventure making these 2 recipes.

Recipe #1: A Tasty, Healthy Take on Oatmeal

Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=113

Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 TBS raisins
• 2 TBS sliced almonds
• 2 TBS dried apricots, chopped
• 2 TBS sunflower seeds
• 1 date, chopped
• 1 TBS dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
3. Add mixed ingredients. Turn heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until water is absorbed, about 7 minutes. (You can take this time to run upstairs and do your makeup and hair!)
4. Cover, and set for about 2 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with low-fat milk or dairy-free milk.

Serves 2

Recipe #2: Oat Pilaf

Source: http://www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipes/content/recipes/recipe-detail.aspx?recipeId=559

Ingredients

• 1/2  cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2  cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1/2  cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/2  cup sliced green onions
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1-3/4  cups Old Fashioned Quaker® Oats, uncooked
• 2  egg whites or 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4  cup chicken broth
• 2  tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves or 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1/4  teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook peppers, mushrooms, green onions and garlic in oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. In large bowl, mix oats and egg whites until oats are evenly coated. Add oats to vegetable mixture in skillet.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until oats are dry and separated, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add broth, basil, salt and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Serve immediately.

Serves: 6 side dish servings or 2 main dish servings (don't forget to include a protein source!)

In the comments below - tell us how YOU are going to add oats to YOUR meals this month in honour of Heart Health Month! 



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