Cocoa Oatmeal With Fresh Fruit Preserves Recipes

COCOA OATMEAL

Steps:

• Stir 2 cups water, milk, and oats together in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook oats at a simmer until softened and beginning to thicken, about 15 minutes.
• Stir 1 cup water, mashed banana, flax seed, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg through the oats; continue cooking at a simmer until thick, about 10 minutes. Fold walnuts into the oatmeal.

COCONUT AND OATMEAL DROP COOKIES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 large cookie sheets. Cream butter and sugars in mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beat together. Add vanilla, baking powder and baking soda. Then add the flour. Mix until well combined. Stir in coconut and nuts. Mix in oatmeal.
• Drop on greased cookie sheets by the tsp., spacing about 1/2 inch apart. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges begin to brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

OVERNIGHT OATMEAL

Steps:

• In a small container or Mason jar, combine oats, milk, yogurt and honey. Top with fruit and nuts. Seal; refrigerate overnight.

FRUIT-FILLED OATMEAL BARS

Steps:

• In mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda.
• Cut in margarine/butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of the flour mixture.
• Press remaining flour mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9x2 baking pan.
• Spread with desired filling.
• Sprinkle with reserved flour mixture.
• Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden.
• Cool in pan on wire rack.
• Cut into bars.
• FILLING OPTIONS:.
• ***Following cookbook's 'shortcut' suggestion of substituting 10 oz jar of preserves in place of homemade filling, I used a store-bought, very dense, low-moisture apple butter (like a thick jam). I have also tried it with blueberry preserves but the preserves were too moist--it made the bars sticky not good.***.
• RAISIN FILLING:.
• In medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add 1 cup raisins. Cook & stir until thickened & bubbly.
• APPLE-CINNAMON FILLING:.
• Peel/core/chop 2 medium apples. In medium saucepan, combine apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves. Bring apple mixture to a boil; reduce heat & simmer 8-10 minutes or until apples are very tender.
• APRICOT-COCONUT FILLING:.
• In medium saucepan, combine 1 cup diced dried apricots and 3/4 cup water. Bring apricot mixture to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon all purpose flour. Stir into apricot mixture. Cook and stir 1 minute more or until mixture is very thick. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut.

PEANUT BUTTER AND PRESERVES OATMEAL

Steps:

• Combine water and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add oats and reduce heat to medium. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix well. Cook, stirring frequently, until oatmeal is softened to your preference, about 5 minutes.
• Place 1 tablespoon peanut butter in the bottom of a serving bowl. Pour cooked oatmeal in; top with remaining peanut butter and raspberry preserves.

CHOCOLATE OATMEAL

Steps:

• Heat milk and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until begining to simmer.
• Reduce heat and add oats, cocoa and sugar.
• Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until thickened.
• If you want your oatmeal thick or watery, this is where you determine the consistency- don't stop until it's pretty much at the consistency you would like.
• Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes (this cooks the oatmeal more thoroughly).
• Remove cover, stir and serve.
• Garnish with chocolate chips, nuts, and/or fruit if desired.