An oatmeal-loving friend recently passed on the results of an informal poll as to what some of his buddies like with their oatmeal. Thought it would be appropriate share here. Please read his email below and name your oatmeal preference, for the record. As for me, I take my oatmeal in a savory chicken broth. Read on... Hi everyone, First of all, let me thank all of you who shared your dearest oatmeal preferences. To those who referred to me as "weird" and/or "weirdo" or perhaps "strange", I can only say look in the mirror pal. The reason for all this oatmeal talk is simple, really. No cause for alarm. It's because of Lauren. She and I have a long standing dispute over one simple ingredient which she likes to put in her oatmeal, and insists that it is both sensible and popular. I strenuously disagree. The ingredient? Butter. Well, the only way to settle our little debate was clearly a survey, and I am now happy to announce that Lauren, according to all of you, is way beyond the pale when it comes to oatmeal toppings. In fact, only one of you, and you know who you are Denny, mentioned "butter" as belonging on oatmeal. So the two of you can go have a buttery oatmeal party some time, but leave me out. So! I know you all have been anxiously awaiting the full results, and I will not let you down. I decided to combine certain similar items, such as various berries into "berries" and various dried fruits into "dried fruit", since they seem to express a similar intent. I think the results will be a surprise to no one. Except one thing. One of you likes peanut butter in oatmeal. I don't even know what to say about that. Maybe it's worth a try. Maybe not. sp raisins 11 berries 11 (includes blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) brown sugar 10 cinnamon 9 milk 8 dried fruit 8 (includes apricots, cranberries, cherries, peaches, dates, craisins) nuts 6 (includes walnuts, pecans, almonds) honey 6 maple syrup 5 apples 4 white sugar 3 nutmeg 2 bananas 2 muscovado sugar 1 black sesame seeds 1 dark marmalade 1 orange zest 1 amaretti coookies 1 peaches 1 peanut butter 1 vanilla rice milk 1 figs 1 BUTTER 1