Soaked oats

I like soaked oats for breakfast. I like eggs, too, but that's a different story for a different post. Although I originally found out about soaking oats as a raw food thing, I've since been told that virtually all oats sold (even the organic ones) are not really raw. Oats are processed to make them from the original grain form, into the flat, dry little discs that Quaker (and others) sell; they are heated and dried to improve shelf life.

There is a whole debate about oats and gluten -- but that's a scientific discussion for another time and place. This is a recipe blog, so if you have problems w/ gluten, this recipe might not be for you.

NUFF SAID! RECIPE TIME!

Soaked oats is a really basic recipe: about 3/4 cup oats, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup liquid, all stirred together in a bowl and allowed to soak overnight.

No one said this had to be BORING, though! Last night I made it up w/ pomegranate juice for the liquid, and added about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. I'm eating it now w/ blueberries, and I'm entirely pleased!

You can add other spices (try ginger, either grated fresh or powder, or cardamom for a more exotic taste), and top it w/ any fruit you want. You could use milk (any kind) for the soaking liquid if you want, or add raw nuts to soak overnight with the oats. Suggested combos (don't forget the pinch of salt for each of these):

oats + apple juice + 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger: top w/ apple slices

oats + 2 tablespoons raw cashews + 2 tablespoons raisens + 1/4 teaspoon powdered cardamom: top with applesauce

oats + almond milk + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: top with fresh peaches

This is a great start to the day! and YUM. Enjoy!

The blackberries are getting ripe around here!

And I'm wondering what to do with them, should I decide to go pick a bunch of them?

A raw pie with a nut crust? Smoothies? Some of my icy treats (maybe blended with ricotta)? Summertime is so full of potential and creativity!