Do you have oats but don’t know what to do with them? Here I share many uses for the humble oat.
FOOD & DRINK
1. Cooked Oatmeal (the base)
Simmer 1 part oats to 2 parts water or milk until thick. Add salt for savory or honey for sweet.
2. Baked Oatmeal
Mix 1 cups oats, 1cup milk, 1 egg, and spice. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until done.
3. Oat Flour
Blend dry oats to powder. Use 1 cup oat flour for every 3 cups regular flour in muffins or pancakes.
4. Oat Milk
Blend 1 cup oats with 3 cups water, strain through cloth. Add a pinch of salt or vanilla.
5. Overnight Oats
Combine equal parts oats and milk or yogurt. Chill overnight; add fruit before serving.
6. Granola
Toss 3 cups oats with ¼ cup oil and ¼ cup honey. Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, stirring once.
7. Savory Oat “Risotto”
Cook oats slowly in broth with onion and garlic until creamy. Finish with cheese or herbs.
8. Oatcakes
Combine 1 cup oat flour, ¼ tsp salt, and 3 tbsp butter. Add water to form dough. Roll, cut, and bake at 350°F until crisp.
9. Oat Pancakes
Blend 1 cup oats, 1 egg, ½ cup milk, 1 tsp baking powder. Cook on a buttered skillet.
10. Oat Binder
Add ½ cup oats to veggie burgers or meatballs to hold shape and absorb moisture.
11. Oat Smoothie Booster
Add 2 tbsp dry oats to any smoothie for fiber and creaminess.
12. Oat-Crusted Chicken or Vegetables
Pulse oats into crumbs, season with salt and herbs, and coat before baking or pan-frying.
HOME & BODY CARE
13. Oat Bath Soak
Blend ½ cup oats into fine powder. Add to warm bathwater to soothe dry skin.
14. Oat Facial Scrub
Mix 1 tbsp ground oats with 1 tsp honey and a few drops of water. Gently rub, rinse clean.
15. Oat Mask / Cleanser Paste
Combine 2 tbsp oats with warm water to form a paste. Apply to face 10 minutes, rinse.
16. Oat Milk Soap Add-In
Add 2 tbsp oat milk or finely ground oats to homemade soap base for texture and softness.
17. Oat Sachets
Fill a small cloth bag with ¼ cup oats and a few dried lavender buds. Tuck into drawers or shoes to absorb moisture and freshen air.
