 |
| picture by littlebitofeverythingne.blogspot.com |
Diane Collins R.D. at IHM in Monroe hosted a dietitian’s
table featuring Comfort Foods. The
assisted living residents enjoyed reminiscing of childhood favorites that
“mother use to make”. Topping the list
was homemade ice cream, macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie and lasagna. One resident stated her comfort food was
oatmeal and that the Morrison Senior Dining Service “made it perfect”. Comfort
foods are usually those we eat to make us feel better. We often think of
comfort foods as “bad’ or” fattening”.
Most often we can make a lighter version of comfort foods by substituting
low-fat cheese or milk for the high fat version listed in the recipe. As for oatmeal, it’s a comfort food that’s
good for you. A ½ cup serving of
uncooked oatmeal provides 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The fiber in oatmeal provides satiety as well
as healthy benefits in reducing the adsorption of cholesterol in the
bloodstream. You can also add toppings
such as blueberries to can get some added antioxidants or cinnamon that can
help in regulating blood sugars. Some
people feel oatmeal takes too long to prepare in the morning rush. However, old fashioned oats can be made in
the microwave in less than 3 minutes!
There’s also a recipe for slow cooker oatmeal- it actually cooks while
you sleep. There’s nothing more
satisfying than to start the day (especially a cold winter day) that a warm
comforting bowl of oatmeal.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Ingredients:
Butter
½ cup water
1 cup steel cut oats
3 cups low-fat milk or coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Before bed, coat the inside of the slow cooker with butter
to avoid sticking. Add water, oats,
choice of milk.
Cover and cook on low until oats are cooked through and
creamy (approximately 7-8 hours). Stir
in vanilla and serve immediately. Spoon
toppings of your choice such as blueberries, strawberries, cinnamon, nuts,
peanut butter or almond butter.
Serves 4