It’s funny, as summer approaches and the days get hotter, I am wishing for more spring. All the sudden I feel I’m not ready to move on from risottos and cool weather vegetables. This is ironic because all through spring I’ve yearned for summer- so many ingredients to write about! Spring comes late in Colorado, and while California has strawberries and fava beans we have greens, greens, and more greens. Asparagus has just barely appeared in our farmer’s markets. At La Domestique, I cook with the seasons of Colorado, and in the beginning of the growing season it’s difficult to have variety to keep things interesting and keep you people in more temperate climates entertained. Just as I’m about to get what I wanted (summer), I don’t want to let go of spring. So, we will savor the last two weeks of spring, even if it was 90 degrees outside today. Let’s enjoy this transition where berries and rhubarb are in season, it’s not too hot to turn on the oven and bake something sweet, and our appetites are stimulated by being outside in the garden or on a hike.
This time of year I crave healthy, nourishing foods. I’m more active and I need meals to sustain me without being too rich and heavy. Oats, the ingredient of the week, are high in fiber and protein. They are easy to digest and satisfying. You may think of them as more of an autumn pantry staple, but this week we’ll look at oats through the lens of spring. If the only oats you keep in your pantry are the instant variety, it’s time to try something new. This week at La Domestique, learn all the different forms of oats from groats to rolled oats to quick cooking. Each plays a role in the pantry. Rolled oats make a lovely strudel topping for baked fruit desserts. One of the main reason I wanted to cover oats this week was so I could make a crisp for you. Also, oats are used in baked goods like muffins, scones, and cookies partly because they hold moisture and keep the pastry fresh longer. Tomorrow in 10 Ways Tuesday I’ll share some fresh ideas for using oats in your spring cooking. Let’s hold on to spring for two more weeks- there’s still so much to enjoy about this time of year! Don’t let summer seduce you just yet. Cook in the moment, with me, here at LaDomestique.com.
I would love it if you would share your favorite way to use oats in the comments section.