Winter remains my favorite time of the year just as it was when I was growing up. Back then, when the snow was piled so high that when cars passed by, you could hear them but not see them, playing outside was the fun. Now it’s more appreciating the beauty of the season that’s enjoyable. One thing that hasn’t changed is my love for hot cereal. I inherited this admiration from those who came before me when hot cereal was a staple throughout the family. It all started with my grandmother in her farmhouse cooking over her woodstove when woodstoves were simply a way of life and oatmeal was served not only because of its taste but because it was economical.

When we were a little older and our grandmother had moved into a smaller home, my cousin and I loved sleeping over Saturday nights and getting up to oatmeal on Sunday mornings especially in the wintertime. We’d be first in line for the piping hot cereal made in a simple sauce pan with a dented top served with a dab of butter and sprinkles of brown or white sugar before the milk was added. One aunt sometimes preferred a touch of maple syrup or honey. However the cereal was enjoyed it always tasted better with buttered toast served along with it and when the bowl was near empty, dipping the toast into the bowl to get every last drop. It didn’t matter that sometimes our grandmother substituted oatmeal with cream of wheat or corn meal. They were all good and creamy on a winter morning and especially enjoyed one Saturday after falling into the creek and running to that grandmother’s house instead of home-a strategic move after being told not to go down there since the ice was thin!

I still savor a bowl of hot cereal. But now it’s for an added reason. Hot cereal is healthy. Oatmeal tops the list. Those who eat oatmeal are less likely to develop heart disease. It’s a great source of vitamin E and protein. Oatmeal lowers cholesterol; contains properties that fight cancer. Add a fruit such as blueberries and the health advantages grow even stronger.
Corn meal was a great favorite too. Anything corn meal, whether that was hot cereal or muffins or bread, was devoured and on occasion, still is. To reap the many benefits of corn meal make sure the corn meal is whole and not degermed. Corn meal is a good source of vitamins B6, E and K plus minerals such as zinc. It lessens the chance of colon cancer, fights weight gain, lowers cholesterol, and offers heart and circulation benefits. While cream of wheat comes in third, it still none the less offers some healthy advantages. It’s low in calories due to no fat or added sugars. One serving equals 15% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium plus a significant amount of iron and is high in vitamins B6 and A.  Keep in mind, to reap the benefits of any of these hot cereals, your choice mustn’t be the prepackaged, microwavable varieties.
 

In this month celebrating the heart, take time to enjoy some hot cereal-it’s a healthy thing to do on these cold and snowy winter days-and don’t forget the toast!