Stir oats into briskly boiling salted water.
Cook 1 minute for quick oats, stirring occasionally. Cook 5 minutes or longer for old fashioned oats.
Cover pan, remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in ham or bacon.
Pour into UN-greased 8-1/2" x 4-1/2" x 2-1/2" loaf pan. Cool slightly.
Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Cut into 16 slices and pan-fry in small amount of butter until golden brown, about 10 minutes per side.
Serve hot with butter and maple syrup.