Pan-fried Oatmeal Slices

After making oatmeal the other day and realizing how well it packs after sitting for a while, I looked up recipes for fried oatmeal.  Most just take a scoopful of left-over oatmeal and cook it up.  I thought it would be a good idea to deliberately make oatmeal just for this purpose.  Make a big batch and mold it into a loaf pan, let it sit overnight, and the next morning make slices and gently fry them up in a little butter to a golden brown crustiness.  Served over a puddle of maple syrup and garnished with berries and a little bit of whipped cream, this takes everyday oatmeal to a sophisticated level -- elegant enough for a special breakfast occasion.

Pan-fried Oatmeal with Berries and Cream

1.5 cups milk
1.5 cups water
1/2 tsp. salt
1.5 cups old fashioned oats (not quick)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. brown sugar

Add-ins if desired: raisins, walnuts, dried cranberries to fold in - whatever you like.

Bring water, milk, and salt to a boil.  Stir in oats.  Bring back up to a bubbling boil.  Reduce heat and cook over medium heat for five minutes, stirring often.  Remove from heat.  Stir in cinnamon and brown sugar, and fold in whatever other add-ins you like.  Allow to cool down a bit, stirring now and then.

Line bread loaf pan with plastic wrap.  Lightly spray wrap with non-stick cooking spray.  Fill loaf pan with cooked oatmeal.  Pack down tightly.  Cover with wrap.  Refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, unmold oatmeal onto a cutting board.  Slice into 1" portions. 

In large skillet, melt 1 tbsp. butter over medium heat.  Place oatmeal slices in pan.  Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crusty; flip.  Continue cooking until both sides have a nice crust and oatmeal is warmed through. 

On serving plates, drizzle a little maple syrup.  Place fried oatmeal on top.  Garnish with berries and a dollop of fresh whipped cream (or a good spray if that's what you have).

Enjoy!

Image credit: Everybody Loves Sandwiches http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/1920799815_acd6b5a694.jpg