Oatmeal

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Though I like to mix it up on special occasions, oatmeal is my standard breakfast of choice. I learned this art in seminary. Bacon and eggs are great when you're out fixing fence. But for intellectual and spiritual endeavors, oatmeal will carry you until lunch. 

I'm not an instant oatmeal guy. Give me the 100% whole grain oats. It's also got to be Quaker. 

I start with a cup and half or so. I like these blue and white bowls because they remind me of Mother Teresa's habit. 

Fill it up with water 1/8" or so above the oats. Then stick it in the microwave for around 1:45 minutes. 

By this time your coffee has already been on. But this is a good opportunity to give a plug to my friends in Pennsylvania for sending me some local grounds. Good joe! 

I like to keep the oats cooking until they start to well up in the bowl. Then they're ready. 

Here's the kicker: a spoon full of peanut butter. Oatmeal by itself is hard to choke down. But adding a little pb gives it some texture and taste. It also makes for a complex protein, which sticks to your ribs. 

Breakfast for champions. 

I can see why horses like oats. They may not taste so good, but they sure do get you through the morning. Oatmeal is my standard issue breakfast. The only other way to top off this meal is with a phone conversation with Grandma, which happens once a week. If you want to have a good day, you better get started on the right foot. Breakfast is key. I've tried this and that over the years. But in the end, oatmeal is a surefire way to keep your belly burning until lunchtime.