Even Lazy Girl gets intentional!

I'm not lazy. In fact, unless I'm ill, you will find me working on something constantly. I'm a busy bee. But I have so many people to care for, animals to tend, a house to clean, and a ton of other stuff to do, that I must take shortcuts. Or, take the lazy way out.

I got that phrase from my sister who prefers to knead bread by hand, as opposed to letting a bread machine or food processor do it for her. It works for her and she thinks any other way is "The Lazy Way". Whereas I personally prefer to think of it as the smart or industrious way ;)

Love ya, sis!

So that's how Lazy Girl came about. Not because I'm lazy, but because of my shortcuts. Shortcuts I like to pass on to you so you can make homemade dishes with less effort/time.

Now that I've droned on and on, let's get to the part where Lazy Girl gets intentional...

Yesterday I wrote about intentional health. About exercise. I'm a fan, obviously. But it would be difficult for me to get in my thrice weekly jogs/runs and get a hearty breakfast on the table at the same time.

So I monkeyed around with Oven Oatmeal. Easy, healthy, tasty, hearty, and.... I don't even have to be at home to make it. WIN!

Here's what I do...

5 minutes before waking the children I get out my favorite casserole pan. In it I put 4 cups dry oatmeal, *6 cups water, *2 cups milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup sugar. I don't mix it. I just slide it in the oven as-is, and set the temp to 150C (300-325F would work great) for one hour.

Then I go wake the children and get them going on their morning chores. Rolly keeps them going while I take off for a run.

When I return, I feed and water the dog and chickens, wash my hands, get a drink of water, and head back to the kitchen. By this time the oatmeal is just about perfect.


I usually serve it plain, but once in a while I jazz it up with cinnamon, slivered almonds, and/or dried fruits (add these after baking).

It's a hit.

*You can change these numbers up to make it more or less creamy. Just make sure the final amount of liquid comes to 8 cups.