Step 1

Add oats, water or milk, salt, cinnamon and vanilla (if using) to a pot or saucepan over medium/high heat.

Step 2

Bring mixture to a low boil, reduce heat to a low simmer and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes; stirring occasionally. Oatmeal is ready when the oats have soaked up most of the liquid and are creamy.

Step 3

Transfer to a bowl and add toppings of choice. See flavor ideas below for maple brown sugar, apple cinnamon, banana nut and berry almond.

Step 4

Top oats with maple syrup and brown sugar. Stir into the oats and add a splash of milk (if using).

Step 5

Top oats with chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also add some chopped apples to the oats while they’re cooking for even more apple flavor or make cooked cinnamon apples like I do for my apple overnight oats.

Step 6

Top oats with banana slices, toasted walnuts, peanut butter and chia seeds. You can also add the banana slices during the cooking process. The banana will add a ton of flavor and a bit of sweetness to the oatmeal.

Step 7

Top cooked oatmeal with fresh berries, chopped roasted almonds and chocolate chips, if using. You can also add berries to the oats while they’re cooking if you’d like.