This adds a flavorful toasty crunch wherever you use it. It is a creative and more nutritious substitute for croutons. Sprinkle over salads, soups, casseroles or vegetables.

2 c. Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 c. wheat germ, unprocessed bran or chopped nuts, if desired
1/4 tsp. onion or garlic salt

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Bake in ungreased 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch jelly roll pan or preheated moderate oven (350 degrees) 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool; store in tightly covered container in refrigerator up to 3 months. Sprinkle over tossed green salads, soups, casseroles or vegetables. Makes about 3 cups.

Variations: Add 1 teaspoon oregano leaves and 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves to mixture before baking.

Microwave Oven Directions: Cook in ungreased 11 x 7 inch baking dish in microwave oven at HIGH 8 to 9 minutes or until light golden brown, stirring after every 3 minutes of cooking. Cool.