Tag Archives: Steel cut oats

Whole Grain Flour

Nothing matches the flavor and nutritional value of homemade baked goods made from fresh ground flours.  No need to purchase a flour mill if you have a Vitamix.  The time it takes to grind grain into very fine flour is unbelievably fast!

GE½ -2 cups of whole grain (wheat berries, steel cut oats, rice, quinoa, millet,barley, cornmeal)

Steel Cut Oats
Steel Cut Oats
  1. Place the grain into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
  2. Select Variable 1.
  3. Turn Machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then High.
  4. Blend for 1 minute.

Food Tip: Any whole grain can be turned into flour. The standard wet blade Vitamix container will grind grain but, for best results, use the specialized dry blade container. It can be purchased separately but it comes with the Complete Kitchen package. Whole grains produce a small amount of moisture while grinding. To keep your flour from caking, leave the lid off of your air-tight storage container until the flour is completely cooled so that the moisture evaporates and does not get trapped inside.

Money Tip: Buying whole grains in a bulk food store saves a lot of money. The price per pound is always lower than pre-packaged. Depending on how often you use them, buy 1-3 pounds and store them in an air tight container. Unlike bleached all purpose flour, whole grains still have their natural oils. To keep them fresher longer and avoid waste, they should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Time Tip: Pre grind a portion of your whole grains into flour and keep on hand for quick addition/substitution to your favorite recipes.

Matthew’s Oatmeal

GE
Matt’s Oatmeal

This is the recipe that started it all.  After I blend this in the Vitamix, my family comes into the kitchen looking for the apple pie because that’s exactly what it smells like.  Even if you or your child has never liked oatmeal, give this recipe a try.  You will be amazed at how good it tastes.  The apples and raisins add natural sweetener.  If you like your cereals a bit sweeter you can always add your favorite sweetener to the bowl but try it first.  Enjoy!

GE
Basic Ingredients

4 cups of steel cut oats (cooked)

1 cup fresh coconut milk

2 cups of water

1 large apple (cut in quarters & seeds removed. DO NOT PEEL!) or 1 banana

1/3 cup raisins

2 tbs chia seeds (hydrated in 2/3 cup of water)

2 tsp cinnamon (substitute 1 tsp of vanilla if using banana)

  1. Bring 1 cup of dry steel cut oats, water and coconut milk to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and let stand for 15-20 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
  2. GE
    Cooked Steel Cut Oats

    Place the chia seeds, apple, raisins and 1 cup of the cooked cereal into the large Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.

  3. Select Variable 1.
  4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed toVariable10, then to High.  Blend until completely smooth.
  5. Turn off machine and remove lid.
  6. Add remaining cereal and replace lid.
  7. Select Variable 1.
  8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
  9. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Pour into ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
GE
Ready for Freezing

Food Tip:  This recipe can be reduced by 1/2 and made in smaller containers.  This oatmeal is best suited for older babies and individuals on a pureed diet that can handle a bit of texture.  For younger babies and individuals with gag reflex problems it is best to start with basic oatmeal made from oat flour (see recipe in whole grains).  When making this recipe for younger babies, add 1 ingredient at a time with at least 4 days in between additions to test for allergic reactions.  This recipe tastes so good the whole family will love it!

Money Tip:  Watch your prices.  I use Steel cut oats instead of whole oat groats, old fashioned oats or quick oats.  Oat groats and Steel cut oats have a more robust flavor  and more fiber because of the oat bran.  Other than that, they are pretty much the same nutritionally.  Steel cut oats run about 65 cents a pound if you buy them in bulk.  Since you are grinding or blending, why not save some money.

Time Tip:  Each cube is approximately 1 once.  Storing you cubes in labeled freezer bags will save lots of time and your servings will always be fresh.  To serve, simply put the desired portion in a microwavable bowl the night before and heat for 15-30 seconds on high.  If the cubes have not been defrosted, it will take 30-60 seconds to heat. 4 frozen cubes takes approximately 45 seconds.