In addition to sharing our resolutions this month (Kate’s | Sarah’s), we’re also going to share some of the good habits that we’ve picked up over the years. We try many things, but these are the ones that’ve stuck.

As you might expect, we are seasonal eaters. In the winter I love to start my day with a bowl of oats + all the fixings. Since many people are looking to reset their diets after the new year, we wanted to share our super simple method for making steel cute oats.

First, the difference between steel-cut and rolled oats. Nutritionally, both types of oats are exactly the same (packed with fiber and all that jazz). Rolled oats are steamed and then rolled flat, drastically reducing their cooking time. Steel-cut oats are just the raw groat that’s been cut into two or three pieces.

The convenience of rolled oats is awesome, but we love the texture of steel-cut oats. The problem is that while rolled oats require just two minutes to cook, steel-cut oats can take 20 to 30 minutes!… unless you use our favorite (simple!) method.

Overnight Steel-Cut Oats

This method is simple. You bring the oats to a simmer, place a lid on them, and leave them be until morning! I take care of the whole process while making my evening cup of golden milk.  When you wake up, there’s a pot of oats that’s perfectly cooked. All you have to do is reheat your portion, cover with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp butter
• salt
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 3 cups water
• your favorite oat toppings

How-to

• melt butter over medium-high heat in a sauce pot
• add the oats, stirring to cover with butter, and let warm until they start to give off a nutty smell (30-60 seconds)
• add the water and bring to a simmer
• turn off the heat, cover, and let sit until morning
• in the morning, place a single portion of the cooked oats in a bowl, reheat for about 1 minute in the microwave, and then top with your favorite nuts and berries

Topping Ideas

• chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• seeds (ground flax, toasted pumpkin)
• berries (fresh or frozen)
• something sweet (brown sugar, our brother’s honey!)
• a bit of milk (cow’s, soy, almond, coconut)

If you’re feeling a bit blah about rolled oats, but haven’t tried steel-cut, then it’s time for a new habit! Really, the texture creates a breakfast that isn’t your old goopy, slimy bowl of oats.

This recipe makes enough for three to four servings, making it perfect for your next ski weekend. (wink wink)