Instant Oatmeal Makeover

I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but if you're in DC (or anywhere else on the eastern half of the country) it's pretty nasty.  MG and I have post-work dinner plans tonight, so we got up early for a run.  Considering that it was 80 degrees already at 6 a.m. when we got up and the humidity was through the roof, it was not an easy run, to say the least.  When we got back I wanted something filling but quick for breakfast, and despite the heat, oatmeal fit the bill.

I had two packets of instant "fruit and cream" oatmeal left, which seemed like a easy way to go.  I find, however, that the instant stuff isn't nearly as filling, delicious, or healthy (in terms of fiber and protein) as the real stuff, so some modifications were in order.

I selected the peaches and cream flavor and cooked it up to my liking.  Then I topped it with a tablespoon of fat-free Greek yogurt, a tablespoon of chopped walnuts, and half a cup of fresh papaya.  Fantastic!  The Greek yogurt melted and combined with the "cream" in the oatmeal and achieved a wonderful sweet cheesiness that almost reminded me of the sweet cheese filling in fruit blintzes.  (If you haven't had a blintz, I recommend remedying that, ideally with a trip to Katz's Deli in Manhattan.  More on that later).  That, plus the sweet tropical flavor of the papaya and crunch of the walnuts made for a tasty and filling breakfast, and my additions helped boost the protein and fiber.

Mmmm, creamy, crunchy goodness.

We're off to have Belgian food and beer for dinner, assuming we don't melt on the way there.  Stay cool, everyone!