Ultimate Oatmeal

And yes it is ultimate indeed! It is a little more time consuming than just regular oatmeal but trust me, it is well worth it.

Ultimate Oatmeal

3 C. water

1 C. 1% milk (do not use skim milk here)

1 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 C. steel-cut oats

1/4 tsp. salt

1. Bring water and milk to a simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, then add the oats and toast, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. 

2. Stir the toasted oats into the simmering liquid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer gently until the mixture is very thick, about 20 minutes. 

3. Stir in the salt and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed and the oatmeal is creamy, about 10 minutes longer. Let the oatmeal stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations:

Ultimate oatmeal with cranberries and walnuts

Add 1/3 c. dried cranberries, 1/4 c. toasted walnuts, chopped, 1/4 c. packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon with the salt.

Ultimate oatmeal with apple cinnamon and raisins

Use a sweet cooking apple here such as Fuji, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Jonathan, or Macoun.

Add 1 peeled and grated sweet apple, 1/3 c. raisins, 1/4 c. maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon with the salt.

Ultimate oatmeal with bananas

Add 2 mashed bananas and 1/4 C. packed light brown sugar with the salt. 

Recipe Source {America's Test Kitchen}