Today was so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got lost on the way to the school. Try navigating rural North Carolina roads before sunrise. Grrr. I almost got hit by a truck 🙁 But I finally made it!!!
Our goal is to have some kind of oatmeal recipe on the breakfast menu rotation – and to get the kids to eat it! So today we made oatmeal foodservice-style, which meant using a kettle and a steamer and standardizing the recipe for 50+ portions and making it kitchen-staff friendly (i.e. hands OFF!)
We decided to keep it simple and leave out the bananas, but otherwise I made typical KERF oatmeal of half milk, half water, cinnamon, salt, vanilla – plus some brown sugar 😉
The first batch went in the kettle –
Row, row, row your boat!
Witch’s cauldron!
Pouring it for service when it had thickened
Sampling!! It was awesome. Slightly sweet, cinnamony + vanillay and the kids LOVED it!!! Wish I could show your their faces!!
We called our cart the "Oatmeal Express" as we rolled around and asked kids if they wanted to try it. Some were hesitant, but I was really surprised at how m any kids took it. We also had raisins and blueberries (frozen) for topping options.
Quote in a sweet voice: "Is the Oatmeal Express going to come back tomorrow"
Quote: "That oatmeal was AWESOME!"
One boy stuck his tongue in it and said "ewww" and I said "just try a spoonful!" I saw him a bit later and his bowl was empty. I asked him if he liked it and he sheepishly said, "Yeah, it was really good." Cute!
I hope it’s as well received at the other 34 schools in the district without the Oatmeal Express cart to increase enthusiasm.
After breakfast was served and cleaned, I had a big bowl for myself (the coffee + sample at 7:15 tided me over till about 8:30, very surprisingly). I had raisins and banana in my oats!
Cleaning the kettle was where we realized our problem. It was gross and sticky and a pain. So after breakfast we got started on a steamer method that would only dirty up some pans that could run through the dish machine and would be hands off. If the kitchen staff thinks the recipe is too hard to do or clean, they won’t like it.
Four different pans for different cooking times and water vs. milk experiment
Water vs. Milk
No stirring for 25 minutes in the steamer (vs. the stirred once above)
But after a nice stir, it turned out as great as the stirred mid-way one!
Scooped in a #8 half cup scoop (my foodservice prof would be proud!)
I had a second sample taste when the last batch came out
The milk version was BY FAR much better – sweeter and creamier – than the water only. And more nutrient-packed too!
We did a lot more cleaning and ended up serving our four pans of oats for LUNCH!!!!!!!! At the request of the kids! I think of about 75 4th graders they ALL took one. It was definitely a hit!
At noon my coworker and I broke for our own lunch. It was pizza + salisbury steak day and I’m not really a huge fan of either, so I did a vegetarian plate with a milk for my protein. Plus BROWN rice (steamed) and peas and an apple I brought from home.
They had hot sauce, which I put on my rice, that was awesome
And my coworker shared her cucs with me!
After lunch we visited the future community garden for this school. I am a HUGE fan of community gardens for schools. I hope more and more can find the funding to put them in.
Since I got there so early today I was able to head home a little earlier than normal – with just enough time for an afternoon run in the daylight! I pushed yoga back to tomorrow so I could seize the opportunity.
See y’all for din!
Anne [email protected] Weigh of Life says
That is a ton of oatmeal! I’m glad it went well!
Matt says
I want that pot for brewing beer!
Heather (The Single Dish) says
That is too cool to see a huge batch of oatmeal made! Do most students eat the school lunch? Breakfast and lunch? I always brought my lunch to school because the food at my school didn’t look as good as this food!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
what a great day! I’m sure the kids LOVED it — and you’ve created many new oatmeal fans, I’m sure!
The Paris Food Blague says
oh my gosh! so cute! oatmeal for the masses
Holly-Claire says
Kath,
You looked so happy and cute! I think you are doing a great job! We need more people like you making the food they serve our kids healthier 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet says
That looks like so much fun!
Stef says
community gardens for schools are such a great idea! your oat adventure sounds like a successful one!
RhodeyGirl says
Kath, I am sorry, but oatmeal is not yours without the BANANA!!! Seriously, please find a way to make it banana oats! I used to choke down oatmeal with blueberries for health but once I found your site and learned about using banana… I eat oats EVERY.DAY in the winter. Even just 1/4 banana/serving makes a difference to me!!!
Anyway, it is so interesting to see how you are actually using your school knowledge right now. I love that!
Kath says
Haha
Carrie says
Wow, the school really makes some great food for the kids. Good job!
RhodeyGirl says
Also, our school lunches were NOTHING like this. Think cardboard pizza and warm milk. NASTY! I hated it when my mom would make me buy lunch sometimes in elementary school… unless it was ICE CREAM CART day.
Bronwyn says
Brings back memories of school… If only my school lunch program had such delicious and nutritious options!
leatitia says
wow, that’s a lot of oatmeal! I’m glad the kids liked it and that it went well.
Kids eat their breakfast at school? That’s new to me!
Kath says
I never utilized it either as a kid, but it’s a great program, esp. for those who do not get breakfast at home 🙁
Lauren says
When I graduate in a couple of years, I’m going to be an elementary teacher and I fully plan to petition whatever school I teach at to at least let me plant a small garden for my class. Even if the kids cannot eat the food, there is so much for them to learn!
Brittany says
I’m going to have to have some oat meal! You’ve got me craving it! ;0)
I’m so happy schools are providing healthier food for kids!
Chelsea says
Holy oatmeal!!!!! That is SO awesome that they liked it. Plus, the community garden? So.incredibly.cool.
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
That’s so fun! I think making oatmeal for a crowd must be a blast
Jenna says
Kath your job is so cool! Looks like a ton of food making food and being able to interact with the children!
Jenna
Christie @ Honoring Health says
So glad the kids the liked the oatmeal!
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen says
that’s SO AWESOME that the kiddos loved the oatmeal! hopefully they will develop a love of healthful food and change the world 🙂
community gardens for schools are such a great idea, i’d love to see more of that across the country as well!
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
Wow that is so so cool. What an awesome thing to be a part of 🙂 I bet these kids went home and asked their parents to make oatmeal hehe
Caroline says
Your internship looks so great! I’m so impressed that the school system is so open to healthy options (and the kids are too!) I can only hope to have as fun an internship when its my turn in a few years!
Kamaile says
That community garden looks like it’s going to be BIG!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner says
That is so awesome! Good job getting oatmeal more fans 🙂
Sandi says
Hi Kath, I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now and it is fabulous!! This post is amazing–I laughed out loud when I saw the picture of you pouring the whole container of quaker oats into the pot for GIANT OATMEAL 🙂 (I eat quaker oats for breakfast every morning!) And it’s great that you’re teaching children to love the (healthy) deliciousness that is oatmeal!
Dorothy says
Cool post! Now I’m really looking forward to hearing about your adventures in internships!
Lindsey @ Sound Eats says
Kath, this is awesome. This post has made me so excited for my future internship(s) and job(s) one day. I just started taking pre-reqs for a secondary bachelors in dietetics and eventually a masters. It’s going to take a while (about 5 yrs) but I’m so excited to become a R.D.!
ellen eats beets says
LOVE getting people to try new things, especially kids! Congrats on the winning oatmeal!
Erin says
What a fun day — I wish oatmeal had been introduced to me as a young student.
Chloe (Naturally Frugal) says
What a great way to let kids try new foods, I love how you named it the Oatmeal Express. Hopefully people reading this blog will realize what we can do for our school lunch system, it needs help and you are one of many trying to change it and turn it in a positive direction!
Hallie says
Looks fun! I’m way impressed that the kids ate it…and enjoyed it! I made stovetop oats for my boyfriend this morning, and he wouldn’t let me put any banana in it. Splash of soymilk, cinnamon, and honey and that’s it, and while he said it was ok, he wasn’t exactly raving either…but he’s never let me make him oats before, so maybe this was a step in the right direction.
Yes I am comparing my grown-adult boyfriend to elementary school children. I don’t think he reads KERF so I’m safe.
katey says
Hey! I have a question for you! I see that you are working in a school cafeteria. I’m in college now, and I’ve always wondered how they make their eggs! I’m sure you’ve seen it in process.. do they use real eggs- that they beat and crack, powdered eggs, or egg beaters! I would looooove to know before I eat them again..
Kath says
I haven’t seen them with my eyeballs yet, but I’m pretty sure they are liquid, a la eggbeaters. They are definitely not cracked on site.
Mama Pea says
That is one train I want to ride on. How much fun! I think parents, educators, society would be surprised at what kids will eat if given the chance!
Cait (Cait's Plate) says
Looks like so much fun! I wish we had such good food offered when we were in school!
Courtney says
What an interesting post!! Never really think about all the work that goes into this kind of thing…great to see a behind the scenes look. Can’t wait to read more about your adventures!
My dad was a principal and I have fond memories of sneaking into the school kitchen on the weekends when we would go to school and “wowing” at the huge mixers!!!
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat) says
That looked like fun! I don’t think it’s possible for anyone not to love a Kath made oatmeal!
Eileen says
This looks like a day in heaven for you … making massive quantities of oatmeal and turning on a new generation! I’m so impressed. Whatever district you’re working with seems to have already made huge leaps in the nutritional value and quality of school lunches. What a great place to intern!
katherine says
Such an incredible project. I’m so glad the kids responded positively to it! I’m sure it helped to have lovely staff like you to serve it up 🙂 So great to be able to make a difference one meal, one day and one school at a time. Keep up the great work!
megan says
what a fun day of oatmeal! That’s awesome that the kids loved it.
homecookedem says
So glad the kids embraced the oatmeal express!! Kuddos to you for getting them so excited about it!! 🙂
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says
I think it’s AWESOME that you are helping kids learn to love healthy, nutritious food!!! You’re showing the world that wholesome food can be fun and yummy too!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
SUCH a fun day Kath!!! Thanks so much for sharing it all with us! How neat that the kids really liked the oatmeal. I remember my mom making me a batch with just oats and water when I was little and hating it, but after I tried my own mix with milk and other add-ins, it really can be kid-friendly!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
That oatmeal looks SO good! Love the idea of a garden at school for kids!! That’s an awesome idea on so many levels! 🙂
Jenn
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
That is so cute!!! Looks like a great day. I bet those little kids will be hooked on oatmeal for life 🙂
Sharon @ What Is Sharon Doing Now?! says
So neat to see you in action.
Do you think this school district’s food is healthier than most or about the norm?
Kath says
Absolutely. I think they are way ahead of the game.
Lisa says
What a great idea! It’s great to see some of the programs I’ve read about illustrated.
Kori says
I just wanted to congratulate you on such a tremendous job that you are doing. I hope to one day be able to make a positive impact on others through the use of healthy, delicious food too. 🙂
Kath says
Thank you 🙂
mary ann says
you are the cutest cafeteria lady EVAHHHHHHH!!
I hope quaker is paying you lots for your advertisement!
MA lilpauladean.wordpress.com
Kath says
Haha – thanks!
Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me says
Awesome job on getting the kids to eat nutritious! School systems around here really need to get revamped! Way too much unhealthy food is being served!
Karla says
I’ve always wanted to make HUGE amounts of food like that! It looks kind of fun!
Mae @ OhhMay says
Congrats on the sucess of your oatmeal! How exciting!!! 😀
Simply Life says
wow, getting kids to love oatmeal – way to go! That’s GREAT!!!
Victoria says
Congratulations on your oatmeal success, you’ve certainly encouraged me to have some with raisins tomorrow morning for breakfast! Your dedication and passion really shows, it’s wonderful to see 🙂 xxx
Sarah (OC2Seattle) says
Congrats on your oatmeal success! Those kids are set if they learn to like oatmeal!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
wow if those kids only knew that the oatmeal cream was making their breakfasts!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Ahhh the memories of an internship 🙂 Looks like fun!!
Mandy @ University Cooking says
I really wish my school had had the kind of food you’re serving up. Makes me pretty jealous. But i’m glad the kids are getting a nutritious meal. I know first hand that most cafeterias like to sell what’s easy and will make the most profit 🙁
Veronica says
I’m in foodservice class right now and we just started the “standardizing recipes” section, this was fun to see!! I’m so glad your oatmel express was such a big hit!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Your spreading some major KERF oatmeal JOY!! I wish I had you to make me some oatmeal when I was little!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
Oh my gosh, a huge vat of oatmeal; that’s what dreams are made of! I wish my old shcool and served stuff like that – we just had dry bread and jam if we needed breakfast 🙁 looks like you had an awesome day anyway!!
lo says
Heh. What fun you’re having with those vats of oatmeal 🙂
Seriously — looks like a blast. And to think I spent my day extracting data… yeesh.
Penny says
How cool to see you make a gigantic pot of oatmeal and feed it to children that actually liked it. 🙂
You looked totally in your element. 🙂
Mary (Food Fit & Fun) says
That is amazing. It looks like your placement at this school is going to be so much fun! I am jealous. What lucky kids to have such a clean/healthy cafeteria! I am in the field of education and man, I would never eat in any of the cafeterias I have seen!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
KERF oats x gigantic!!! Kids are SO cute- glad they liked your oatmeal 🙂
Marissa says
Look at all that glorious oatmeal!!!!
Deanna - The Unnatural Mother says
I love it!!! Especially since I have a child in Kindergarten, if you could get him to try anything other than pizza, nuggets, or pasta, I’ll give you my life savings!!!
Gracie @ Girl Meets Health says
That is awesome, Kath. I wish I would’ve had someone like you to show me how delicious oatmeal can be, haha! Seriously, when I was a kid I *despised* oatmeal. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized I was MAJORLY missing out. Now I eat oats all the time….for dinner, even 🙂 I’m sure you converted a ton of little kids that were just like me 😉
Mom says
My daughter the oatmeal expert! What a wonderful post!
Nicole says
I’m totally impressed with how clean that huge kitchen is. There wasn’t a single finger print on all of that lovely stainless cookware. Plus I love the idea of a community garden for the school. I guess that’s one of the perks of living in such a warm climate.
Becky says
That looks like too much fun! Maybe that is how I should make my batch for the week:)
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) says
This post made me smile so much!!!!!! 🙂
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says
That’s so exciting that the kiddies loved the oats!
lauri Watson says
Wow- you really lucked out with your food service rotation! That looks REALLY cool! I’m glad the kids liked it!
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
So proud of you!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Alison says
what a fun day! you are the perf person to make the kiddies some oatmeal. glad they liked it.
Pam (IIN Health Counselor) says
So glad your oatmeal was a hit with the kids!! I just love it when people enjoy healthy foods.
That is soo awesome that the school will have a community garden. I plan on getting involved with local schools in my area. What a great concept, it teaches the kids so much, helps them connect with nature and healthy living.
Great job 🙂
michelle says
Oh Kath- I’m SO HAPPY to see you working with kiddos. I’m a teacher and I eat my breakfast in front of my middle school crew every morning. (I have to eat at school as the commute is so long and I’m marathon training). One girl asked her mom for greek yogurt instead of school breakfast because she sees me eat it all of the time. BOTTOM LINE- Kids will eat good food if it’s offered!!! I’m SO SICK of seeing my kids at school eat “sausage” wrapped with pancake dipped in high fructose corn syrup “syrup” and crashing 10 minutes later. Children deserve the best – food, teachers, and lives. Go out there and make a difference! 🙂
Diana says
way to spread the love of oatmeal to the kiddos!
i love the story of the little boy who thought he’d hate it but ended up eating the whole bowl!
🙂 Diana
Jayce says
Wow, it looks like it turned out yummy and amazing! That’s awesome that the kids loved it! When do you find out if it makes it onto the menu?
Sarah Snacks says
LOVE the oatmeal express!! I’m enjoying reading about your internship- I’m really looking forward to mine now! (which won’t be for a couple of years though since I’m just in my 2nd semester, LOL)
AnnQ says
Holy gi-normous vat of yummy oatmeal! 🙂
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Making food fun and easy is key with kids. Good job Kath!
Christy says
Omg! How cool!!! What a fun experience! That’s an oat-lovers dream 😛
Jil says
Awww, of course they loved your oats!!! Sounds delish!
Julie @savvyeats says
How awesome that you, of all people, gets to work on the Oatmeal Express!
La says
My favorite food at summer camp was always the oatmeal… This post is so cute. Kids are so fun to work with, especiallly when they discover they like something they didn’t think they would like, and you helped introduce it to them.
Lorin says
Wow, their food looks good! I remember that elementary school was the best food, but in high school it gets worse. However, I do have to say we have decent food (yogurt, egg sandwhich) just not as good as that elementary schools.
Christina says
Great to see good food at schools!
Perhaps this is naive of me but I am blown away by all the disposable plates, cups and cutlery. It doesn’t make for consistent messaging to the kids.
liz says
That is awesome (bringing healthy options to kids at school). I work in a middle school and sometimes the food is just plain scary! You are doing great things for those kids (possibly inspiring future food experimenters like yourself!)! Keep up the GREAT work!
Shannon says
The greatest compliment you can get is when a kid likes your cooking! So glad you got to share such a healthy favorite with the kids. I wish my old school district served such healthy meals. Kids perform so much better when they are well fed!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I think oatmeal is a great option for the breakfasts at school! My kids love oatmeal and seriously, nutrition has to be fun or no one would do it. That’s why looking at other peoples idea of exotic oats always makes me try different things. I have a suggestion though…I know that oatmeal is completely different when you make it with milk, but for those kids that can’t have dairy, wouldn’t it be better to not use the milk. From a girl that can’t have dairy or soy, it is always depressing to go out for breakfast and not be able to at least eat the oatmeal or grits for that matter.
Nicole (dishin') says
How fun! That is A LOT of oatmeal but it looks delicious. I’m sure your days are really interesting, especially with the kids reactions 🙂
Alicia says
Cool post, I love all the experimenting! I know I never had all these healthy options for school lunch when I was a kid. These school lunches (and breakfasts) are probably more healthy than what some of these kids get at home.
Anne P says
How cool! I love reading about this, it gets me excited to do my RD internships 🙂
Danielle says
“Oatmeal Express” – LOVE IT!
I think it’s great how the school district that you’re working with is really trying to incorporate healthy food choices in the cafeteria. Ours could use some cleaning up, but I’m hopeful after seeing your experience.
NIna says
Hey!
What were the measurements of water and milk you used for the whole container of oatmeal???
Believe it or not, I’m cooking on a canteen tommorow to serve breakfast to 75 people in a shelter for Hurricane Earl and stumbled across this sight.
I know measurements are important, just wondering how you figured out the water and milk measurements..I have never cooked that much oatmeal before.
You can email me at [email protected] 🙂 Thank you sooo much!
Kath says
Nina,
Equal parts oatmeal, milk and water!