Presentation. When we got on a job interview it is all about presentation. And why? Because we are trying to project a good impression. We want the person interviewing us to believe that we are their can't miss candidate. To a degree the same thing goes with our food. Present it well and the expectations will increase. If I give my kids a bowl of oatmeal in a regular old off-white bowl, that isn't too exciting. Maybe a little more exciting if it has a cartoon character on it. But what if it arrives to the table in a pumpkin - now that's exciting. My son is asking again to have his oatmeal in a pumpkin.
One Healthy Breakfast
Oatmeal is a great heart healthy breakfast. Eat everyday is good for your body, the same old oatmeal each day does get boring. During the month of October, pumpkins are a plenty. They can be used for more than just adoring your porch. A good pie pumpkin can be a vessel for your morning meal. Try baking the oatmeal right inside the pumpkin.
Not only will you be bringing an amazing presentation to the table but more things that are good for your body. According to Anytime Health,
Pumpkin is packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, a one-cup serving of roasted pumpkin gets you 214% of your daily vitamin A requirement and 33% of your vitamin C. While many folks consider pumpkin to be very starchy, recent studies have shown that the starches in winter squashes, like pumpkin, are actually very good at helping to regulate insulin in the body, as well as helping to reduce inflammation.
Isn't that awesome! Combine it with oatmeal and woah, are you doing your body a favor!
Notes about the Pie Pumpkin
1. When selecting a pumpkin, look for a pumpkin labeled as a pie pumpkin.
2. These are sweet and have the best flesh. When eating the oatmeal make sure to scrap the sides to get that pumpkin goodness.
3. The size of pie pumpkin can vary quite a bit. The recipe is written for an average sized pie pumpkin (basicially what is average size to me!). You want to fill the pumpkin all the way to top with oatmeal, so the amount of oatmeal you are going to cook depends on the size of your pumpkin.
What Type of Oats Should You Use?
I recommend going with old fashioned rolled oats. Not any quick or instant oats. Two reasons. One, you need time for the pumpkin to cook so you can go with oats that take longer to cook. Second, these oats are going to taste better. Steel cut oats make work for this as well, I haven't given it a try yet.
Ingredients
- 1 small to medium pie pumpkin
- 1-2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2-4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Remove the top from the pumpkin.
- Scoop out the seeds and all the stringy pieces.
- In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup of oats, 2 cups of water, brown sugar, and the spices and salt.
- Pour inside the pumpkin. If you still have space add more oats, keeping the ratio 1 parts oats to 2 parts water. Add more sugar and spices if you wish.
- Place the pumpkin in a baking dish large enough to catch anything that runs over.
- Bake for 40-50 mintues, until the pumpkin feels soft on the outside and the oatmeal is cooked and slightly browned on top.
- Serve right from the pumpkin with some maple syrup if you like.
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