Friday, January 7, 2011
Kids Breakfast Recipe Safe for Peanut and Tree Nut Allergies: Hearty Oatmeal "Faces"
Posted by org at 10:25 AM
Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? We enjoy oatmeal in cookies and such around here but it's been hard to get my kids interested in it for breakfast.
Until now! I unearthed a Betty Crocker Kids Cookbook from the 1950s (I collect vintage cookbooks)and they had all kinds of cute and retro ideas for kids cereal, including cereal "faces" made of food. Granted, my almost 11-year-old didn't get as big a thrill out of this as my younger daughter, but she enjoyed the flavors.
My 2nd grader, however, really loved the faces and has been thinking up ideas to create animal faces, mimic her own face and more. Use your favorite fresh and dried fruits, brown sugar, maple syrup and whatever additions your kids like. Oatmeal "faces" that are not only yummy and fun to eat, but they will give your kids a good source of complex carbs that will give them energy until lunch time.
Just a note: soaking the oats overnight in milk (dairy or non-dairy, whatever you need to use) makes a very creamy, flavorful oatmeal that is also very quick to execute in the morning--the oats are already soft so they don't require much cooking.
Here's how we created the recipe shown above. Let it be a guide to you and be creative!
Hearty Nut-Free Oatmeal "Faces"
The night before, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats (We use Quaker) and 2 cups of milk in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add one tsp. of cinnamon and if you like, add some orange peel or other seasonings. Place in fridge and let "steep" overnight.
The next morning: Place oat mixture in a saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until thick, about 4-6 minutes. I usually add a little more cinnamon, as well, to taste. Divide mixture into 2 bowls (for large servings) or 4 small bowls for small servings.
To make the face you see in the photo: sprinkle dark brown sugar at the top of the bowl for "hair." Use dried cranberries for eyes and mouth and use a slice of banana for a nose.
Enjoy! I'll have more oatmeal recipes as the month continues.