This is Citizens oatmeal, waiting for you to make it beautiful.
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  • This is Citizen’s oatmeal, waiting for you to make it beautiful.

In this week’s paper I took a break from gushing about desserts to I write a 1,000-plus-word love letter to oatmeal. As I mentioned, there are a number of places in Seattle to get a really good bowl of oatmeal, but the best way to get oatmeal is to just make it yourself, at home, on a lazy morning where you can take the time to craft the perfect breakfast with all your favorite fruits, spices, and/or nuts.

Still not convinced that oatmeal can be amazing? Commenters have been posting their favorite ways to serve itโ€”using everything from red currants to chai tea to a shot of whiskey.

SpookyCats says: “You will get an even better flavor from rolled oats if you toast them lightly in the pan before you add liquid. Cook on low heat just until you can smell their goodness. Yummy.”

SteamDawn says: “Snowy morning oatmeal nirvana: Snoqualmie Falls Lodge rolled oats, cooked NOT in water but in home-made Darjeeling Chai tea (thanks to Kelly Brainard for the recipe!).”

spammy says: While in the Aran Islands of Ireland, our host served us oatmeal with a side of cream. She asked if we wanted to add some honey from her brother’s hive. “Yes, please!” Then she added, “would you like a shot of whiskey too?” Who could turn that down? Your oatmeal will never be the same.

And not a fan of the sweet stuff? Commenter jp has a suggestion: “Oatmeal can even be delicious when served all savory-like. My favorite way to make it is with butter, salt, pepper, a little cheddar cheese and a sprinkling of capers. Yum!”

I may never eat cold cereal again.

How do you take your oatmeal? Share your suggestions here!

Megan Seling is The Stranger's managing editor. She mostly writes about hockey, snacks, and music. And sometimes her dog, Johnny Waffles.