Hot Breakfast Recipes: Steel-Cut Oats, Bacon & Pancakes

Hot breakfasts provide a cozy start to the day, whether you're baking turkey sausage or cooking steel-cut oats in a rice cooker. Learn how to prepare and freeze hearty grains like barley and oats for a fast morning meal.

oat flakes in a spoon on wooden surface

How to Cook Old-Fashioned Oatmeal in a Rice Cooker

Old-fashioned oatmeal, slow-cooked for 20 minutes or longer to a smooth and creamy consistency, is a significant upgrade over a pouch of flavored instant oats. Unfortunately, many cooks can't afford to stand at the stove, stirring, for 20 minutes.

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How to Cook Thick-Cut Bacon

Where you'd have 16 to 20 slices a pound in a package of regular, thin-sliced bacon, you'd have half as many slices in a thick-sliced package. Thick-cut bacon is roughly one-eighth of an inch thick with 10 to 14 slices per pound. Needless to say, even one slice of thick-cut bacon will pack a lot of fat and calories.

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Homemade gluten free pancakes

How to Heat Crepes

If you are going to go through the time, effort and mess it takes to make crepes, go ahead and make extra ones that you can refrigerate or freeze for later use. Then when you have a craving for a crepe, simply reheat it and add your choice of toppings or fillings.

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Bowl of uncooked rolled oats

Do You Have to Cook Oatmeal Before Adding it to a Smoothie?

Oatmeal is a great way to start your day. But a bowl of hot porridge isn't the only way to enjoy this highly nutritious grain for breakfast. It also makes a fine addition to a morning smoothie. You don't have to cook oatmeal before adding it to a smoothie, but you can.

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French Toast and Sausage, Breakfast, High Angle View

How to Cook Frozen Sausages

If you've forgotten to thaw frozen sausage in time for the breakfast rush or to cook a hearty dinner, your options depend primarily on the brand of sausage you're cooking. Some manufacturers specify that the sausage must be thawed before cooking, while other brands can go straight from the freezer to the pan.

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How to Bake Turkey Sausage

Sausage isn't exactly a health food; it's filled with fat, preservatives and fillers, and it's a relatively high-calorie item. Opting for turkey sausage over a more traditional variety made with pork or other red meats is healthier since turkey is leaner and lower in calories.

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oatmeal with baked fruit for breakfast, closeup, top view

How to Cook Steel-Cut Oats & Freeze Them

If you're accustomed to eating oatmeal made from rolled oats, you may be surprised at the chewy texture and nutty flavor of steel-cut oats. Steel-cut oats are made from the whole oat, which is cut into small chunks. Because the oats are a whole grain, the cereal is rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

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How to Cook Barley for Breakfast Cereal

Like oatmeal, cooked barley is a healthy and versatile way to begin the day. Barley has been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of heart disease. It's also an excellent source of fiber. Barley takes a while to cook, but fortunately it reheats beautifully.

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