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Ingredients
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Base Oatmeal
Sweetener & Flavor
Crunch & Topping
Optional Add-ins
Method
Base Oatmeal
- 1
- 2
Add oats and salt
Stir in 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats and 1 tsp salt. Reduce heat to low so the mixture maintains a gentle simmer.
- 3
Cook until creamy
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the oats are tender and the mixture is creamy. If the oats absorb too much liquid, add up to 2–4 tbsp additional milk or water to reach desired consistency.
Sweetener & Flavor
- 4
When the oats are nearly done (last 1–2 minutes of cooking), stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Continue to cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
- 5
Optional: stir in 1 tsp butter for extra richness and 1 tsp chia seeds for a slight thickening and nutrition boost.
Crunch & Topping
- 6
Portion the oatmeal into a bowl(s). Spoon the oatmeal to leave the surface slightly domed so toppings sit nicely.
- 7
Sprinkle 3 tbsp crunchy berry cereal evenly over the top to provide texture. Add 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries on top or to the side.
- 8
Finish with 1 tbsp toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch and a drizzle of 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup if you prefer more sweetness.
- 9
Serve immediately so the cereal retains some crunch. If you want the cereal softer, stir it into the hot oatmeal and let sit 1–2 minutes before eating.