How to Make Flaky Oatmeal

  Start with some rolled oats.  My favorite is the "extra thick" rolled oats made by Bob's Red Mill.  If you live around here, you can get it from the scoop and weigh bins at Smith's Marketplace for cheap.  If you can't find the extra thick, regular rolled oats are fine.  WinCo sells them in their bulk bins for a fantastic price.  DO NOT use the instant ones...for anything. They are gross.

STEP ONE:  Add the desired amount of rolled oats to a bowl, throw in a pinch of salt, and add water until it looks like this.  Mix it around with your finger to distribute the salt and get all the oats under the water. 

:)

STEP TWO:  Do nothing. :)  No, really.  Set the bowl on the counter and go do something else for at least 10 minutes.  Let the oats soak up the water.  If  you are in a hurry, 5 minutes is ok too.  10 is perfect.  You can let it soak for hours if you want, but I don't think it makes any difference.  Once the oats are hydrated, they are hydrated.  This picture is after 10 minutes.  If I tilt the bowl, there's still water visible, but not a giant puddle.  Too much water = mushy oatmeal!

STEP THREE:  Microwave the oatmeal for 6 minutes on power level 3.  Then add whatever toppings you like -- brown sugar, raisins, milk, whatever.  Your oatmeal will be beautiful and flaky, and you will never want to eat the wallpaper paste old lady mush style oatmeal EVER AGAIN. :)