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Creamy Spiced Oatmeal

Source of Recipe

From "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys" by Lucinda Quinn


Recipe Introduction

"My experience feeding boys has taught me that oatmeal is the most efficient breakfast for long-term morning energy. After all these years, I've convinced the boys, too, one of whom started asking for it when any sort of school test loomed. But oatmeal can be boring and tasteless if not prepared properly. Try using milk, steeped with spices, and the best-quality oats. Vary the 'sweet spices' — such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, coriander, and star anise - to taste or according to what's in your cupboard. Top with maple syrup or honey, sliced bananas, and maybe some chopped toasted almonds. Save time on busy weekday mornings by making a large pot of oatmeal on Sunday night, then cooling and storing it in the refrigerator in a large covered container. Reheat the needed quantity in a saucepan or microwavable bowl, stirring in a little water or milk to loosen up the cereal."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 1 cup milk (soy, almond, or rice milk can be substituted)
â—¦ ½ cup water
â—¦ 1 whole cinnamon stick
â—¦ 4 allspice berries (optional)
â—¦ 1 bay leaf
â—¦ 1 cup rolled oats, preferably organic
â—¦ ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey
â—¦ 2 ripe bananas (optional)
â—¦ ½ cup toasted almonds (optional)


Recipe

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and water with the spices and bay leaf over medium heat.

Reduce the heat to low and steep for 2 minutes.
Add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender, between 5 and 15 minutes.

Remove from the heat and cover for a minute. Discard the bay leaf and whole spices. Portion into bowls and drizzle with maple syrup, then top with the bananas and almonds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Serves 4