I’ve always considered myself to be an old fashioned gal.
But lately I’ve been craving quickies.
Quick OATS that is. 
While I’ve always kept both multiple types of oatmeal on hand, I only tended to use the smaller cut, quick-cooking kind for granola. [I like to mix old fashioned and instant for the crisp of the former and the 'chew' of the latter.]
I never really cooked the instant oats to eat. Even in the microwave, I stuck it out with the old fashioned gentleman, with their slow grace and mild manners. [Steel cut always played a little TOO hard to get for me.]
Dates with Oatmeal. (Get it?)
Until now.
–I couldn’t help but notice how creamy they were, without needing any milk or crazy amounts of cooking time.
They also tasted different. More floury or something. And I found that oddly appealing. So when I ended up NOT eating the make-your-own packet I’d smuggled in my backpack for the plane ride home–
-and instead substituted it for my normal afterschool brown rice-and-quinoa-flakes snack*-
And if you DO add something ‘extra’–say…leftover pumpkin and applesauce from making Cherry Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnuffins?–
(and Natural Indulgence Lemon Blueberry + Nuts About Granola's BLEND for BLEND)
–well, I just about lose my head.
Don’t worry Mama Smart, you raised me right. But right now? Well right now I want a little more instant gr-oat-ification.
(But not oat groats themselves. Talk about holding out on ya. Those bad boys need some serious commitment.)
————-
Are y’all still tried and true old fashioned guys and dolls?
Or are you willing to get a quick fix now and then for the same nutritional value and a little more fun? 
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
You are too funny. I usually go for the old-fashioned oats, but I’ll get the instant kind from time to time. I actually like this one brand from Whole Foods that comes in flavors like chocolate and chai … they may have some added sweeteners, but it’s the all-natural kind.
And they are really tasty for a mid-day snack!
You’e right – they do feel more flour-y! I usually go for the thicker, chewier oats too though. I like to chew. Unless it’s a green smoothie. Then I slurp.
The instant oats are so great for when you’re in a hurry. I take them with me when Ralph and I are on road trips. They fill you up when you need it. Your oats look tasty, instant or slow cooked. Both look yummy!
Instant oats are my last resort – the best (IMHO) are old fashioned – good for overnight oats but don’t take TOO long to cook up.
I like both – quick is better for breakfast on most days though. I actually don’t really do oats for breakfast very often though, my body craves fruits & veggies more than grains in the AM.
Ha, thanks for all the oat porn. droooool
I like instant oats, but I try to avoid them whenever possible. It’s just that one packet seems to leave me more hungry than I was before I ate it. They never stick with me.
I don’t usually dig the packet either. I need MORE, so I tend to make my own “packets” with the amount that WILL keep me satiated!
I’m an old fashioned oat person…. mainly because I don’t actually like mine very soft, so I tend to cook them for less time than recommended anyway.
This morning I actually had to grab my bfast at the medical center and I mixed cream of wheat and old fashion oatmeal. I really the chewiness of TJ’s gluten free oats. But my favorite hot cereals are buckwheat and steel cut oats.
Haha I like this post…craving quickies lol
I actually have gone from the packets my whole life to old-fashioned oats recently because for some reason I have convinced myself they are better for you. Plus I do like the texture.
Maybe it’s just the change of pace that we are falling in love with?
OH I love you!! I use TJ’s gluten free oats, and I love them!!! I used to make a mix of old fashioned oats and oat bran.. it was very creamy and tasty. I haven’t found gf oat bran yet..
Your oatmeal looks wonderful. I like old-fashioned better, too. but I’ve been changed… try Coach’s Oats for steel cut oats. They take 3 min in the microwave and their nutty, toasted taste is SO Good. and when you microwave them… warning: use a big bowl. because they grow. Or 5 min on the stove top. Nom Nom.
I’ve always been a bit “old fashioned” as well…guess I like the chewiness of it, but I’m totally with you on the steel cut variety…I don’t care how chewy and wonderful other bloggers have portrayed them to be, they’re always too hard for me.
That bowl of oats with the strawberries and kiwi is absolutely GORGEOUS! You’re making me want to pop a few benedryls (for my kiwi allergy) and dive right in! It would totally be worth it!
Love the “dates with oatmeal”…I can always count on your for a good foodie pun!