We are going to take a little break from France today.  We will head back next week but I just received an update on something I have been waiting for…

In early 2016, I entered the “Bring Your Best Bowl” contest at Quaker Oats.  You could submit entries for a new instant oatmeal flavor.  This contest excited me because we all really like oatmeal in this house.  I mean, I buy the big box from Sam’s.

I submitted several flavor combos and was very excited to become a finalist and then, of course, win the $250,000 prize.  I had high expectations for Bacon Latte Oatmeal; they like to pick weird flavors.  Admittedly, that isn’t my personal morning go to, but it is very breakfasty.

Alas, my dreams were shattered this Monday when the finalists were announced and I was not on the list.

I had a feeling I wasn’t in the running since I assumed they would have told the finalists before publishing their pictures online.  I had not been contacted by anyone to set up a photo shoot but for some reason I still had a little hope.  Not anymore.  I know its all over.

If you want to vote for your favorite flavor or see all the finalists I’m jealous of, click here.  Just on the flavor profile alone I have to go with Vanilla Chai but I haven’t tasted any of them yet.

On the plus side, now that I’m not a finalist (a.k.a. loser) I can share my favorite bowl of oatmeal with you.  I creatively call it, “My Perfect Bowl.”  It’s nothing fancy, just a warm, hearty, comforting bowl of oatmeal.  My kids love it too.  They really get a kick out of calling it porridge.  They eat more if they call it porridge.  It’s apparently fun to feel like Goldilocks who, let’s face it, is a criminal.

My Perfect Bowl of Oatmeal

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:
1 ¾ c Water
1 ½ c Old Fashioned Quaker Oats
¾ c Milk
1 ½ T Brown Sugar
¼ tsp Cinnamon

Bring water to a boil
Stir in oats and reduce to a simmer.
Simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
Stir in milk, continue to cook an additional 4-5 minutes.
Mix in brown sugar and cinnamon.
Serve warm.

I like it just like that, thick and creamy without any toppings. But everyone else in the family adds a topping or two if we have them in the house. Here are some of the favorites:

Sliced Bananas
Sliced Almonds
Dried Cherries
Raisins
Blueberries

I hope that helps you create your perfect bowl of oatmeal to enjoy on a cozy morning.