It's a breakfast that doesn't even possess the flair of an Egg McMuffin, or...I was going to say one of "Uncle Herschel's Favorites" from Cracker Barrel, but I was stopped in my tracks when my Google search yielded the Urban Dictionary definition of that phrase. I'm not even going to link to it here...because it's filthy. But if you're so inclined, I mean, I did promise you something "spine-tingling" today...although it might be more along the lines of "boorishly lewd" to many of you...I know it was for me. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
Ahem. Back to the oatmeal.
This selection is different from a lot of other pre-packaged oatmeal, in that it's not quite as sweet. There's a moderate amount of brown sugar, but the natural flavor of oats is definitely the dominant taste. Certain bites contain enough freeze dried strawberries and raspberries to taste tart and fruitastic, but by and large the flavor of this oatmeal is quite subtle. Perhaps a bit too subtle. Some people might use the word "bland."
That was Sonia's take, too. She rarely adds sweeteners to products other than black coffee, but confessed this might be one of those products that needs a little bit of agave or stevia or honey or simple syrup or whatever healthy sugar is in right now.
We made the oatmeal with a mixture of about 2 parts water, 1 part half and half. I usually prefer just plain old milk, but we didn't have any on hand, and this mixture of water plus half and half is what Sonia usually uses for oatmeal. We ALWAYS have half and half on hand because Sonia uses it with her morning java. And it works. The oatmeal usually has a fair amount of creaminess, and it adds a touch more flavor and substance than just water.
For $1.29 per cup, there are quite a few other oatmeals at TJ's that might be a better value. Here are the "Search This Blog" results for "oatmeal." I couldn't tell you which of those products are currently available, but there are definitely a handful of offerings on that list that scored better with our team. This one gets three stars a piece from Sonia and I.
Bottom line: 6 out of 10.
lol @ healthy sugar. I use real sugar on oatmeal. Tea, I use sweet and low. It's what I got use to and I can't undo my like of how I want to eat certain things. I have been using Splenda in my low-carb coleslaw recipe and it tastes good it that.
ReplyDeleteI go in phases with oatmeal. But, the cook 5 minute stuff is okay with me when I want it.
Can't beat real sugar on oatmeal :)
DeleteI don't understand oatmeal in to go cups. It's not like it's a eat on the go friendly food! Just more packaging to throw away when odds are you're at home or work and could use a real bowl or mug.
ReplyDeleteAnyways. I grew up eating oatmeal with brown sugar and that's still how i like it. Dunno about the freeze dried fruit in there, that stuff has a weird texture and seems to dissolve
Ttrockwood
I actually enjoyed these for a lunch to bring to work when I'm running late. However I did have a big batch of apples I had cubed up and cooked with a little butter and cinnamon thrown in.
ReplyDelete