Old Fashioned Oats (Sold In Bulk)
Old fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, are whole oats that have been steamed and flattened with large rollers. They have a chewy texture and are great for a variety of recipes. Unlike instant oats, they require a bit more cooking time, but they retain more of the oat’s natural texture and flavor. Old fashioned oats are highly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Here are some common ways to use old fashioned oats:
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Oatmeal: The most classic use for old fashioned oats is to make oatmeal. Simply cook the oats with water or milk (or a dairy-free alternative) and top with fruits, nuts, seeds, or sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. It’s a hearty, fiber-rich breakfast.
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Baking: Old fashioned oats are often used in baked goods like cookies (think oatmeal raisin cookies), muffins, breads, and granola. They add texture, moisture, and nutritional value. You can also use them in place of part of the flour in some recipes for added fiber.
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Overnight Oats: This no-cook method involves soaking old fashioned oats overnight in milk (or a dairy-free alternative) with fruits, nuts, and sweeteners. In the morning, you have a quick, ready-to-eat breakfast or snack.
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Granola: Old fashioned oats are a key ingredient in granola recipes. Combine them with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a bit of sweetener (like honey or maple syrup), then bake until crispy. You can use it as a topping for yogurt or eat it as a snack.
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Smoothie Add-ins: Add old fashioned oats to smoothies for extra fiber and texture. They can be blended in raw or soaked ahead of time to soften them.
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Baked Oatmeal: You can bake old fashioned oats with fruits, nuts, spices, and a bit of sweetener to create a warm, comforting dish. It’s like oatmeal, but more like a breakfast casserole.
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Oatmeal Bars: You can make homemade oatmeal bars or energy bars by mixing old fashioned oats with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a binding agent like honey or nut butter. Bake them in a pan, and you have a portable snack.
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Savory Dishes: While oats are usually associated with sweet recipes, they can also be used in savory dishes like oatmeal-based veggie burgers or added to soups and stews for a bit of extra texture and fiber.
Old fashioned oats are naturally gluten-free (though they may be processed in facilities that also process gluten, so be sure to check if you're strictly gluten-free), and they’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.