Last night, I was able to “go-out” for the first time I have been home.  While I have been hanging out with people and going to people’s houses to share a drink or two, I hadn’t gone out to the bars at all!  Last night was great because we were able to go out, have a great time, and I was still able to wake up and function this morning.

I did have plans to run 5 miles, but then I hit the snooze button one too many times, so now I am just going to my Lululemon pilates class.  The 5 miles will have to wait until tomorrow.

Breakfast

For breakfast this morning, I had two of my little Apple Baked Oatmeal Muffins with a little peanut butter on top.

They were just what I was craving this morning.  Two days ago, when I started to make these little breakfast treats I had to open a new container of oatmeal.  As I was opening the container I noticed that the label said “Quick Cooking Oats” rather than the old fashioned or rolled oats that I usually use.  I didn’t know what to do! But I had to use the quick oats in the recipe, otherwise I wouldn’t have my little baked oatmeal cups.  So, I decided to do one of my favorite things to do when I have a question with no answer…a little research.  Here is what I found:

The Difference Between Old Fashioned Oats or Rolled Oats and Quick Cooking Oats

Rolled Oats/Old Fashioned Oats:  These oats are steam rolled to create the little flakes that we are familiar with.  They have a chewy texture when used in baked goods and give cookies and muffins a more “rustic” look when used because you can clearly see the individual oats.  These oats take about 3-5 minutes to cook in the microwave.

Quick Cooking Oats:  These are the same oats as the rolled oats, but they have been coursely chopped to make them smaller.  These tend to make “prettier” baked goods because you cannot see the whole oats in the finished product.  These can be made by taking rolled oats and slightly processing them in the food processor.  These oats take about 2-3 minutes to cook in the microwave.

Both:  Both have the same nutritional value.  Oats are a great source of soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.  They are interchangeable in recipes, it simply depends on your preference.

I thought that quick oats would have less nutritional value because they are “processed” more than rolled oats, but I am happy to learn that is not true and I can use my accidental purchase of quick oats the exact same way as my rolled oats!

Sources:  Nutrition Diva, Livestrong, Bakingbites, The Kitchn

I love learning new tid bits of information!  Well, I am off to my pilates class, then the grocery store, then a couple’s wedding shower.  It should be a busy and fun day.

Enjoy your Saturday!