Topic: Oatmeal

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a report claiming that popular oatmeal brands contain trace amounts of the weed killer Roundup. The hosts point out that the levels found are significantly below EPA safety thresholds and characterize the report as a PR move for organic food brands.

The show acknowledges its executive and associate executive producers, including Sir Thomas Nussbaum and Grand Duke David Foley. The discussion highlights the cover art for episode 701, which depicted Hillary Clinton in a humorous and disturbing mashup involving her private email server controversy.

A listener-contributed write-up of John C. Dvorak's "Perfect Oatmeal" recipe is reviewed and corrected. The recipe emphasizes using regular Quaker oats, vanilla extract, and specific simmering times, with the clarification that butter and maple syrup should be added only after the cooking process is complete.

A detailed instructional segment explains the proper way to prepare oatmeal to avoid a "pasty" texture. The technique involves boiling water with salt and vanilla before adding flat or cut oats to "seal" the flakes. This method ensures individual oat flakes remain separate rather than turning into mush, with butter and real maple syrup recommended as finishes.

A discussion regarding breakfast habits details the preparation of oatmeal using water and blueberries as a substitute for milk and sugar. The conversation compares the flavor profiles of Vermont maple syrup, Alaskan birch syrup, and agave sugar derived from tequila plants. One participant describes birch syrup as having a milder taste similar to birch beer, while agave is noted for its health benefits and mild sweetness.