Quick and Healthy Oatmeal

There is no need to buy instant flavored oatmeal packets, which are expensive and processed to the point where this wonderful whole grain loses quite a bit of its health benefits.

Old-fashioned oatmeal can be microwaved in just a few minutes and you can add your own combination of ingredients to your taste.

Oatmeal

1/2 cup old-fashioned (not quick or instant) oatmeal

3/4 cup water

fruit (a banana, a handful of berries [fresh or frozen], peaches [canned, fresh, or frozen], applesauce)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1 packet Splenda coffee flavors

Fat-free half and half

Mix oatmeal, water, and fruit in a medium bowl. Be sure the bowl is large enough so that the oatmeal doesn't boil over in the microwave. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Add half and half and stir slightly until it is the consistency that you like. Sprinkle flavor packet and nuts over the top.

Note: you do not need to defrost the frozen fruit before using.

My favorite combinations:

blueberries + french vanilla flavor packet

a banana + french vanilla flavor packet

peaches + french vanilla flavor packet

applesauce (I use one of the single serve) + cinnamon flavor packet

canned pumpkin (about 1/4 cup) + cinnamon flavor packet

strawberries + french vanilla flavor packet

...the combinations are endless!

Feta Turkey Burgers

I found a recipe in a magazine and changed the ingredients to use what I had on hand. I changed everything but the turkey, so this recipe is truly an original. This burger is packed with flavor and even my beef eating husband gave it two thumbs up.

Feta Turkey Burgers

1 Tbl. unsalted butter

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 package (20.8 oz.) lean ground turkey

1 pkg. (3.5 oz.) reduced fat crumbled feta cheese

1.5 Tbl. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 Tbl. light mayonnaise

5 whole-grain hamburger buns

fresh spinach leaves

Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook for 8 minutes or until well browned; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine turkey, 2/3 of the pkg. of feta cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Form into 5 equal-size patties and flatten.

Spray large skillet and heat to medium heat. Cook burgers about 5-7 minutes per side or until nice and brown.

While burgers are cooking, stir together remaining feta and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Place burgers on buns and top each with some of the onions, cheese and mayo sauce, and spinach leaves. Enjoy!

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

The perfect sandwich for the day after the feast.

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Whole wheat roll (I made Rhodes frozen wheat rolls yesterday)

Fresh spinach leaves

Cranberry sauce

Roasted turkey

Assemble spinach, cranberry sauce, and turkey into a sandwich on the wheat roll. Use a paper plate.

Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day with no cooking!