Preparation & Tips

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Quick Soak Method

One of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare McCann’s® Steel Cut Irish Oats is to soak the oats overnight. Before going to bed, boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Then add one cup of oats and simmer for 1 minute. Cover the pot, cool, and store overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.

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Microwave

Add 1/4 cup of McCann’s® Steel Cut Irish Oats to 3/4 cup of water in a deep 2 quart bowl (the size of the bowl is important as it must be large enough to allow the oats to bubble without spilling over). Cook on high for 5 minutes, stir, return to microwave and cook on high for an additional 3 minutes.

Another option for avoiding boilover: let the oats soak overnight, then there is less “free” water to boil over.

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Make Ahead - Be Prepared
Make 5 days of oatmeal in advance by adding 1 cup of McCann’s® Steel Cut Irish Oats to 4 cups of water and cooking as per the Quick Soak Method. Allow the oatmeal to cool and store individual servings in plastic bags, covered plastic storage containers or glass bowls covered with plastic film. These can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, the oatmeal can be frozen in individual plastic food storage bags for up to 3 months.
 
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To Cook

From frozen: Thaw the oatmeal in the refrigerator the night before. 

From fridge: Transfer the oatmeal to a deep, microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and stir. Depending on the consistency desired, microwave for up to an additional minute.

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Cut Corners

Place the oats, natural or pre-toasted, in a food processor. A few turns of the metal blade will break up the grains and reduce the cooking time by at least 5 minutes.

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Irish Porridge

Into 4 cups of briskly boiling water sprinkle 1 cup of oatmeal, stirring well. When the porridge is smooth and beginning to thicken, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Traditionally served with fresh buttermilk, Irish porridge is also good with milk or cream and brown sugar or honey, or with butter.

A family tradition…try a flummery!

Once upon a time, we left our McCann’s® oatmeal to cool, and it cooled to the point where it was semi-solid, almost like a pudding. It was all “fixed up” just how we like it – with trail mix (try that!), a little 1% milk and some brown sugar. But it was cold. It was also incredibly delicious! The texture of the cooled oatmeal was spectacular. This oatmeal delight has been enjoyed this way for hundreds of years in the British Isles – widely known by the (Welsh) name “flummery,” among others. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a fabulous way to eat oatmeal not only for breakfast – but you can make servings up and refrigerate them for a snack any time you want something that’s filling, really tasty and actually GOOD for you.

If you’re looking for some great ways to serve McCann’s® Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal, here are a few quick and easy suggestions for your morning (or noon or evening!) bowl: 

The Oregon Trail A good trail mix, with a nice mixture of fruit and nuts, can be a terrific addition to a steaming hot bowl of McCann’s®

Eastern Delight Add on yogurt, honey and toasted pine nuts. 

Tropical Vermont Banana and fresh Vermont maple syrup. 

Southern Comfort Molasses and warm, poached dried fruits.

Georgia on My Mind Sliced fresh peaches or nectarines softened in fresh OJ.