If you are just getting started with grains, make sure to go to our Step 5: Grains page and just follow our recommendations there. However, if you already have a start on your grain storage you may want to explore some of our Beyond the BabySteps posts which go into more details about specific grains. Today we are going to cover one of our favorite grains … oats! Oats are one of the grains listed in most food storage calculators and we definitely recommend storing them.

Types of Oats:

For long term food storage purposes you should consider storing one of three varieties of oats:

• Steel Cut Oats – This variety is often sold in bulk, in #10 cans, and in emergency preparedness stores. These are oat groats which have been cut into chunks with steel blades. They’re not rolled and look like coarse bits of grain.
• Rolled Oats – This variety is your typical grocery store variety. Rolled Oats are made by steaming oat groats and then rolling them flat. They take longer to cook than quick cooking oats, but retain more flavor and nutrition.
• Quick Cooking Rolled Oats – Quick cooking rolled oats are not to be confused with “instant oatmeal” where you just add water and microwave. They are simply rolled oats that have been rolled a little bit flatter to reduce the cooking time.

Health Benefits of Oats:

Oats are considered a “whole grain” because both rolled and cut oats retain their bran and their germ. Whole grains are recommended to be at least 50% of your daily grain intake due to their benefit to cardiovascular health, weight management, and other nutritional advantages.

Uses of Oats:

Oats are not just for oatmeal! Oats can make DELICIOUS oatmeal cookies, homemade granola bars, topping for a fruit dessert, etc. It can also be used as filler for meat dishes (my meatloaf recipe calls for oats) and can even be sprouted if you have some unhulled (or whole) oats in your storage.

So pick up some oats from the grocery store, try using them in some new recipes, especially those that use all shelf-stable ingredients, and then start stocking up!

Easy Granola Bars

Ingredients:
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat flour that I ground)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened — Better believe I substituted this with Applesauce
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9×13 inch pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter or margarine, honey and brown sugar. Stir in the 2 cups assorted chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc.
3. Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

I love making these and them putting them individually cut in a Tupperware for a quick snack option. You don’t have to substitute the butter with applesauce, I just always like to try it whenever I can…;)

For more great recipes, make sure you check out our friend Crystal’s book: