Confetti Oatmeal

Source: Foodwise Kids Program

Recipe Type: | Seasons: , , ,

This is a kid-friendly recipe that the whole family can prepare together! Created for CUESA’s Foodwise Kids program, it’s particularly well-suited for kids ages 6 to 12.

Nothing warms you up on a winter morning like a bowl of hot oatmeal. Your favorite fruits may not be in season, but dried fruit makes a plain bowl more fun! It adds texture, color, fiber, and nutrients to your oatmeal. Children can pick a variety of dried fruit at the farmers market and compare the taste and texture to their memories of the fresh versions.

Adults: This recipe features a variety of skills, including use a knife and the stove; always supervise children and train them on unfamiliar equipment tools and equipment. Please review the recipe with children prior to cooking. Older children with experience in the kitchen may be able to handle the recipe on their own.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup water (for steel cut) or ½ cup (for old-fashioned)
¼ cup quick-cooking steel cut oats or old-fashioned oats
⅓ cup dried fruit of different colors (peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, cranberries, pears)
Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Cinnamon (optional)

EQUIPMENT

Small saucepan
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

PREPARATION

1.    Wash your hands.

2.    Pour the water into the saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stove. Add the oatmeal and stir. Once it comes to a boil again, turn the heat down to low and allow it to simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, until fully cooked.

3.    While the oatmeal is simmering, chop the fruit into small bits, about ¼-inch square. Dried fruit may be harder to cut than fresh fruit, so you may need help from an adult. A clean pair of scissors can work well for this.

4.    When the oatmeal is done, remove it from the stove and pour it into your bowl. Sprinkle dried fruit bits on top and mix. Allow it to cool enough to taste. If needed, add honey or maple syrup and a pinch or two of cinnamon, if you like. Stir again to blend everything together.

5.    Enjoy your oatmeal! Any leftover fruit can be packed for an afternoon snack.

Farmers Market Ingredients