Hello My Foodie Friends! We’re baaack!!! Paula and I are settling into our new home at 33 Railroad Place and we are dedicating ourselves to a healthy start to our day with one of my favorite all-time comfort foods, Oatmeal!
My love for oatmeal began as a child. Believe it or not, I loved eating oatmeal for breakfast as a child, (mom didn’t really give us a choice). I always had fun creating channels with the milk, the melting butter acting as lava, and sugar being the snow on my make-believe village within my oatmeal. Throughout the years, my morning ritual no longer gives me the time to play with my breakfast. However, I have been able to become creative with what goes in my oatmeal. If you are in an oatmeal slump – here are some favorite toppings to try to help put some lovin’ back into your oatmeal.
Fruits, mixed berries, almond butter, and nuts are standard items that have typically gone into oatmeal. Try new fruits such as figs (have more potassium than bananas), or passion fruits, mandarin oranges, grapes, and pomegranate seeds (loaded with antioxidants). Chocolate (yes!) is actually a great item to put in oatmeal. Dark chocolate is not only delicious but very healthy. Try vegetables (that’s right – vegetables) in your oatmeal. Grating carrots, zucchini, and eggplant and nutrition, fiber, and taste to your oatmeal. Spices such as ginger (has inflammatory properties), mint leaves, pistachios, and pumpkin seed puree’ are all wonderful additions to my morning favorite.
When making oatmeal, one of my favorite vessels to cook it in is a 2 qt. Lagostina Martellata Tri-Ply Copper sauce pan. Striking on any cook top, Lagostina Martellata Tri-Ply Copper cookware melds form and function to deliver exceptional cooking results thanks to a beautiful hammered copper exterior, thermally efficient aluminum core, and 18/10 stainless steel interior. This wonderful pan is made of durable tri-ply construction for lasting utility plus thermal efficiency courtesy of a heat radiating, encapsulated aluminum core It is also made of a brushed 18/10 stainless steel interior that will not react with food and is ideal for searing.
The outside of this pan is beautiful with a polished, hammered copper exterior look that is striking on a stovetop and enhances heat conductivity. The pan is compatible with most stove types, except induction and is oven safe up to 500 degrees F. The polished, snug-fitting stainless steel lids help prevent heat and moisture from escaping. The construction includes sturdy, riveted cast stainless steel handles for confident handling and flared edges for dripless pouring. The overall components include: Copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Be sure to hand wash this pan. It also includes a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. This is a perfect pan to make your favorite oatmeal in.
Breakfast is widely recognized as the most important meal of your day and oatmeal is a great way to keep your tummy feeling full and your body energized! Also it can help lower your cholesterol! Compliments to the Chef is now OPEN in our new location of 33 Railroad Place, in between The Bow-Tie Theatre and Price Chopper! Also, we will be right next door to our new friends at Greenhouse Salad Company and No. 1 Nail & Spa in Saratoga Springs. So please keep in touch and stop by for a free espresso. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”
Take Care, John and Paula