We’re hitting the depths of winter here. Skies are gray. Sidewalks are slippery. It’s getting more and more difficult to get out of bed in the morning. S.A.D. is starting to set in.
To combat such misery, I’ve started making an effort when it comes to weekend breakfasts. Waffles, pancakes and baked bananas galore! But my favorite so far has been proper, ultimate oatmeal. Proper because you cook it on the stove, and ultimate due to some most excellent add ins.
I’m a huge fan of instant packets, but making oatmeal on the stovetop from scratch really is a million times more delicious. I've listed some add in ideas, but toss in whatever your heart and stomach desire. And don't feel limited by produce selections. Frozen fruit would be great to use here, just pop them into the simmering pot for the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through.
Ingredients
serves 4
1 cup steel-cut oats
4 cups almond milk
4 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Add ins (all optional)
Chopped walnuts
Sliced banana
Blueberries
Diced apples
Extra cinnamon for dusting
Maple syrup
Dried cranberries
Raisins
Diced peaches
Sliced almonds
Raspberries
Strawberries
Chocolate chips (!)
Method
Place oats, milk sugar and cinnamon in a medium sized pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the oats are tender and have absorbed the majority of the milk. Stir every so often so you don’t have a layer of burnt oats on the bottom of your pot.
Transfer to bowls and add in the accoutrements of your choice.
Best served while under a heavy blanket watching TV.
Image © Yvonne Penzakov for BitchBuzz.com