How to Use Oats
August 26, 2009 by JenniferM
Filed under Dips and Mixes and Sauces
Even though I really dislike oatmeal, I have been looking into ways to 
incorporate oats into my daily menus since there is no denying the health benefits of oats. Here are two ways (besides eating oatmeal) that you can use oats:
Oatmeal Pancakes
I found these to be pretty good, actually. My girls like them and it breaks up the monotony of their morning bowl of oatmeal.
In a bowl, combine a cup of whole-wheat flour, 3 tbsp. oats, and 2 tsp. baking powder. Add 1 egg yolk and 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk. Fold in 3 stiffly beaten egg whites. Then cook just like any other pancake. We ate our oatmeal pancakes with fresh blueberries and maple syrup.
Oat & Herb Crumbs
I’m always on the lookout for different ways to make chicken. I tried this last night and it is really, really good.
Process 2 cups raw oats in a food processor until they’re similar to bread crumb consistency. In a bowl, mix processed oats with 1 tbsp. dried thyme and 1 tbsp. oregano. Coat boneless, skinless chicken breasts with crumbs. (I use a gallon size Ziploc bag so coating is less messy). Bake chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
We love the oatmeal pancakes. I will often freeze them and then just pop them in the toaster for a fast and yummy snack or meal.
I also use oats like granola and will sometimes mix them in w/ yogurt or in a trail mix.
I am really not an oatmeal eater but Tosca has some interesting crockpot oatmeal recipes in one of her books. We plan to try it this winter.
Surprisingly, adding a 1/4 cup of oats to a smoothie works really well. I was hesitant that it would be grainy and bad, but it really just thickened it up nicely. Plus it’s SO filling, it’s great for that afternoon snack when I start to feel munchy even when I’m not hungry.