Cold Morning Breakfast
Oats have been warming our tables and our hearts for a very long time – about 32,600 years! A discovery in Southern Italy uncovered one of the oldest hunter-gather tribes using tools to process grains In fact, according to an article published by the National Academy of Sciences the discovery is now recognized as, “the most ancient evidence of the processing of Avena (oat)”.. While this paleolithic group may not have known the consumption of oats was a great way to incorporate soluble fiber into their diet, or could help reduce LDL cholesterol, they did understand it was a nutrient-dense grain which provided many health benefits.
Our retirement community is committed to senior health and wellness
At The Village of Bedford Walk, we’ve designed our services to enhance your quality of life by offering amenities to accommodate your active lifestyle, even after you retire from your paleolithic life hunting on the great plains of Italy.
Resident Emma Jane Culver told us how she loves the weekly fitness programs such as water aerobics classes in our indoor pool or participating in our walking group. If you’d like a little more hands-on attention, we also offer classes with our on-site personal trainer in the fitness room.
“The personal trainer is here at the fitness center and she does come in weekly at no cost. Exercise has changed a bit since I was you know 30 years old and the focus is more on agility and flexibility and core strength.” explained resident Beth McMillan. In addition to personal training, our Activities Coordinator hosts an open gym to teach residents how to use our collection of exercise equipment, including dumbbells and resistance bands for strength training. Our wellness nurses are also a great resource and can help you create an exercise plan right for you.
Luxury senior living means cooking in a gourmet kitchen
Part of The Village of Bedford Walk’s commitment to your health and wellness includes helping you maintain healthy eating as you age. Our villas and senior apartment homes all feature gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances, wrap around granite countertops, and functional storage solutions to help you feel at home. Plus, we also offer daily, chef prepared meals for those times you don’t feel like cooking for yourself!
And for those cold mornings when you want to eat something nourishing and delicious to warm your soul, but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen, we suggest satiating your cravings with a heart-healthy bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit, nuts and a bit of cinnamon.
The following recipe for the Best Oatmeal Ever is courtesy of Food Network’s Gale Gand, from the show Sweet Dreams. While the recipe may not be new, this breakfast will definitely keep you warm on a cold, Missouri morning.
Gale Gand’s Best Oatmeal Ever
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Irish steel-cut oats
- 1 pinch salt
- For the topping:
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup golden raisins or dried cherries
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil. Stir in the steel-cut oats and salt and cook a few minutes to thicken. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan bring the apple juice to a boil, add the raisins, and cook a few minutes to help them plump. In a mixing bowl, with a whip attachment combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon and whip until stiff. Keep chilled.
- Remove the cooked oatmeal from the heat and serve piping hot in bowls. Sprinkle the plumped raisins on top of the oatmeal and spoon a dollop of the brown sugar cinnamon whipped cream in the center and serve.
Notes about the recipe: To cut some of the cooking time, soak the oats in water overnight by bringing the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and add the oats. Cover the pot and let sit overnight. The next morning cook on low heat 9 to 12 minutes stirring occasionally.
