Best Oatmeal Ever

So how do we get the Best Oatmeal Ever? Part of the secret is in preparation, getting the oats to the right consistency. Then apply the right combination of flavors. This oatmeal has warming spices, and dried fruit also goes into the mix. Top the whole thing off with nuts or fruit compote and you’ll never look at oatmeal as grout again!

Ingredients

1 cup rolled or steel-cut oats
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup dried cranberries, cherries, raisins, currants, or a mixture
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger or grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon maple syrup
¼ cup organic milk or soy milk (optional)
Chopped toasted almonds or walnuts, or a dollop of fruit compote, for garnish

Place the oats in a pan or bowl with water to cover and the lemon juice. Soak overnight. Drain through a fine-mesh sieve and rinse well under cold water.

In a 4-quart pot, combine the oats, 2 cups water, and the salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cover. Decrease the heat to a simmer and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the dried fruit, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The oatmeal will become very creamy as the water evaporates. Add the maple syrup and milk and stir. For less moist oatmeal, leave the lid off for the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking.

Serve in a colorful bowl; garnish with toasted nuts or a dollop of compote.

Serves 2.

© 2004. Reprinted from “One Bite at a Time – Nourishing Recipes for Cancer Survivors and Their Friends” with permission from Celestial Arts.