Easy as A-B-C Monday: O is for oats
Oats are considered health food because of their soluble fiber which is supposed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats are not just for breakfast, though a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and nuts is one of the best breakfasts you can eat. You can substitute part of your white flour for oat flour when you bake cookies or muffins. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a still tasty but much healthier alternative to regular chocolate chip cookies. You can sprinkle oat bran on hot or cold cereal, yogurts and smoothies for a fiber boost. If you’re breastfeeding you can even enjoy an Oatmeal stout under the guise of increasing milk production.
One of my favorite ways to use oats is in meatloaf to boost the fiber content.
Meatloaf
One lb ground beef or meatloaf mix
One lb ground turkey (white meat or 7% fat)
Half of a large vidalia onion or one small white onion chopped
one cup rolled oats
1 grated carrot
1 clove minced garlic
2/3 cup ketchup
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepperKnead with your hands to mix all ingredients- don’t overmix. Bake in a nonstick or well greased loaf pan (free form works if you don’t have one)at 350 in a preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until meatloaf reaches 160 degrees. Drain fat and let sit for a few minutes before serving (serves 8 )
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