Hey everyone,

I decided to try eating oats again and purchased some of the Bob's RM "gluten-free" oats.

I do like some products by BRM, but in my opinion, these are the nastiest, gooiest, toughest oats that I've ever eaten.

Has anyone else tried these? I have microwaved them as recommended, but no matter what variations I use...they still come out as cardboard flakes floating in water.

If I can't cook them, what else can I do with them...does anyone have a recipe or a craft project that would help me get rid of these gosh-awful things?
Thanks a million. -Julie

I also eat them and they are nasty. I tried adding some raisins to them as they rest after cooking and that helped a litlle. Overall, yuck!

Thanks for the input! I bought Gluten Free Oats online and they are pretty good. I thought they were a bit pricey (12.79 for a 2 lb., 9oz. bag), but I guess that's an OK price. I was going to buy BRM, but now I'm not based on your reviews.

I do suggest trying to find Only Oats. All of there products are soooo good. I dont eat the oatmeal since i never liked it but anything made from the Oats taste delicious! Good enough thata even my parents bought some mixes for themselves.

~ Lisa ~

It sounds like they aren't fully cooked. I know you followed the directions, but I've never had microwaving actually work, except for quick-cook oatmeal packets, and never with the instructions as written. I'd suggest at least trying to cook them on the stove top until they're cooked, and never mind the instructions - that means add a pinch of salt, as much water as is needed, and cook as long as is needed. They might still be stale, but my first impression is that what you're describing is undercooked.

I completely agree Tiffany; My first thought...and I continue to think...undercooked. I will try stove top. I have microwaved them for as short as 2 minutes (which BRM recommends) in increments up to as long as 10 minutes with very poor results. Maybe stove top will make a difference...I just despise being wasteful.

-Julie (If stovetop doesn't work, I suppose I could let my toddler make an oatmeal flake art project)

Well, if all else fails you can make plenty of apple crisp!

We eat oats several times a week but not Bob"s Brand. I have Cream Hill Estates or Lara's , gluten-free oats from powell WY & I got got quick oats from Only Oats. Of course all gluten-free. You can make oat flour to use in your recipes if you don't like to just eat them. The brands I have are not as you described.

mamaw

how do you like the Only Oats?

~ Lisa ~

What kind of oats did you eat in your pre-gluten-free days? Was it the quick cooking kind? If so, the texture of the Bob's Red Mill one will be much more substantial (ie chewy) as it is an old-fashioned or rolled oat. Quick cooking oats are cut into much smaller pieces than rolled oats so they cook more quickly. Here is a page that details the different types of oats: http://www.foodsubs.com/GrainOats.html

I cook the BRM oats using the following method. Put 1 part oats to 2 part cold water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

I have never had cooking oats in the microwave work for me. It either boils all over in the micro making a gluey mess or doesn't cook tham all the way.

I buy the BRM oats because they're substantially cheaper here than the others--(5-6$$ vs 12-15$$!!), I eat them every day and like them a lot, but I bake them so they're really well done... here's the recipe I use. I actually divide it into 2 bowls instead of 4, it's really hearty. I make them the night before and they reheat really well (you can also use any diced fruit you have in the house)

Baked oatmeal

Cooking spray
1 c gluten-free oats
½ c dried fruit pieces
2 c skim milk
2 lg eggs--can also just use 2 egg whites
¼ c sugar--can use 2 tbs if you don't want it as sweet
½ tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350
Lightly spray 4 10oz custard cups, set aside
Stir together oats and fruit, divide among the custard cups
Place cups in a shallow baking dish (for ease of moving)
In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt until sugar is dissolved
Pour evenly over the oats
Bake 35-45 minutes, until centers are set, serve warm

Those thick cut oats definitely have a different flavor. My old-time favorite is steel-cut oats (not rolled out at all), and very thick in texture, and hearty in flavor; neither are *anything* like breakfast packaged oatmeal.

Wow, I really appreciate all the suggestions. I see what you all mean about the different types of oats...I had no idea. that's why I asked... I knew that I'd get some helpful answers.

Thanks everyone!
-Julie

I've eaten these oats. I didn't think they were that bad. I used milk (with a pinch of salt) instead of water and cooked them for 15 minutes on low heat. When they're done add a little sugar, cinnamon, and a little butter. If you still can't tolerate them, you can use them for oatmeal cookies, or in a crumble topping for apple crisp. Yum - don't forget the vanilla ice cream.