Virginia's Kitchen
by GINNIE MANUEL
Mairzy Dotes and Dozy Dotes… Wouldn’t You?
On the subject of oatmeal, there is plenty of good news. Whether you’re
watching your weight or you’re concerned about heart health, a daily dose of
oatmeal can be most beneficial.
Like all whole grains, oats are an excellent source of fiber. In fact, a
typical serving of oatmeal contains three grams of soluble fiber, which
studies have shown can reduce the risk of heart disease while helping to
remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Further research suggests that oatmeal blocks the absorption of fat, which
can assist in weight loss, and it creates a sensation of fullness—meaning
you will feel less hungry after downing a bowl. Finally, it is believed that
oatmeal can lower blood sugar, which has implications for both weight and
diabetes management.
In addition to all these virtues, oatmeal has proven to be a most useful
cooking and baking ingredient, as demonstrated by the recipes below. They
all call for old-fashioned rolled oats, as opposed to the instant or
quick-cooking variety. This product is easily found in the familiar round
carton at any supermarket.
Oatmeal Pancakes
This spa recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy pancakes without all
the extra calories. Serve with sugar-free syrup or fruit-flavored yogurt.
1¼ cups skim milk
1 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 egg whites
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Combine the milk and oats in a medium bowl and let stand for at least 5
minutes. Add the oil and egg whites to bowl, mixing well. Stir in the
remaining ingredients, and mix just until they are moistened. Heat a griddle
over medium-high heat, and spray with nonstick coating. Using ¼ cup of
batter per pancake, ladle onto hot griddle and cook until top is covered
with bubbles and looks somewhat dry. Turn and cook about 30 seconds longer.
Makes about 12 pancakes—enough to serve 3 to 4.
Oatmeal-Chocolate chip-Raisin-Banana Cookies
These “monster” cookies are not exactly diet fare, but they are packed with
lots of tasty ingredients, making them a surefire winner with both kids and
adults.
½ cup honey
1 egg, lightly beaten
¾ cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1¼ cups melted butter
1½ cups chocolate chips
1½ cups raisins
1½ cups mashed bananas
1½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon EACH: ground cloves, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon
Salt to taste
3 cups rolled oats
In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients until smooth. Add the next
3 ingredients. In a 2-cup measure, combine the flour and baking soda with
all the spices and salt. Add to the bowl, along with the oats. Roll into
balls about 2 inches in diameter and place about 3 inches apart on greased
baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 17 minutes. Remove to wire racks to
cool completely. Makes about 20 large cookies. (You can also drop the dough
by spoonfuls to make about 3 dozen smaller cookies.)
Grocery Bars
These nutritious bars are sweet enough to be kid-friendly, but they contain
no refined sugars, which makes them parent-friendly, too! Runners also like
the bars as a ready source of energy.
3 cups rolled oats
½ cup wheat germ
¼ cup flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
12 pitted dates, chopped
3 eggs
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup peanut butter
In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. In a medium bowl, beat the
eggs, and stir in the remaining ingredients. Add the egg mixture to the dry
ingredients, mixing until well combined. Line a 10-by-15-inch baking sheet
with parchment paper, and spread the mixture evenly on top. Bake at 350
degrees for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out
clean. Cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars. Makes about 3 dozen.
Cherry Granola
Homemade granola is almost always tastier than the store-bought variety. You
can also package this mixture in jars for imaginative gift-giving.
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup dried cherries
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup pure maple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Spray coat a large shallow baking
pan, and spread the oatmeal mixture in a single layer. Bake at 325 degrees
for 45 minutes, turning once midway through baking. Cool thoroughly and
transfer to an airtight container. Makes about 6 cups.
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