Choose between a filled 32 fl oz mason jar with a bamboo lid ($7) or 1lb in a paper bag.

HOW TO COOK STEEL CUT OATS:

STEP ONE: Pick Your Liquid.

• For every 1 cup of steel cut oats, you’ll need 3 1/2 to 4 cups of liquid, depending upon how thick you’d like them to be (less liquid = thicker steel cut oatmeal).

• I like to do a mix of water and milk to make the steel cut oats extra creamy. You can use any kind of milk you like. I typically opt for almond milk (perfect if you need vegan steel cut oats). If you are feeling indulgent (or are Ina Garten or the Pioneer Woman), whole milk is indisputably delicious.

STEP TWO: Place the Liquid, Oats, and SALT in a Saucepan.

• Note the emphasis on salt above. Add a good pinch for each cup of steel cut oats.

• I always recommend kosher salt, which has a clean taste. Also, because the grains are larger, you’ll more easily avoid over salting your food.

• Salt won’t make the oats taste salty. Rather, it wakes up their flavor and helps ensure the oats are not at all bland.

STEP THREE: Bring to a Boil, Reduce to a Simmer.

• Let the oats simmer for about 20 minutes to start. You don’t need to babysit them. Simply stir the oats every now and then to make sure they aren’t sticking to the bottom and to remind yourself how delicious this bowl of steel cut oatmeal is going to be.