In our quest for flavor it can be easy to forget the easy, obvious steps. Case in point, toasting oats. This only takes about 10 minutes in a 350°F oven and the rewards are the great. The flavor of the grain deepens, becoming more pronounced with nutty undertones that make you appreciate the slightly sweet, earthy flavor of the oats. It takes them from being a carrier for other flavors to being a star attraction. The trick is to toast them far enough to make the magic happen. Pale blonde oats won't cut the mustard, you need to bring them to a deep foxy brown, only inches away from that edge where they cross over into burnt. That's the sweet spot where you get the best results. That's what makes granola so darned good. These oats are destined for cookies but they would be equally happy in sweet or savory porridge, cakes, or scones. Try it yourself and you'll understand what a difference ten minutes can make. Just remember to let them cool before using them in a recipe.
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