I’m breathing a huge sigh of relief. We’ve moved into our own home (well, it’s still an apartment, but it’s our very own place) and we’re totally thrilled. The act of moving was slow and steady – we decided to move over the course of a week which seemed like the way to go at the beginning, especially since we were only moving 10 blocks away. However, it stretched out the actual pain of moving (hello stress! hello aches & pains!) rather than attacking it in one fell swoop. But we did it!! We’re here and we love it. Sure there are boxes everywhere and still so much to organize and get done, but we’re slowly chipping away at our list and getting things set up. The real drag came when our internet and phone were set up 4 days later than promised. No internet? Now that’s a real bummer. But we’re all set up and our lives are getting back to normal. Finally.
So let’s celebrate!
But before we get carried away, there’s nothing wrong with some good old fashioned wisdom. Like a hearty, healthy breakfast to start the day. Yup, I’m talking about oatmeal. It’s been years since I’ve mentioned the stuff (like this baked oatmeal with apples or this pumpkin version) but I eat a bowlful of it weekly (& sometimes more). It’s not sexy food, but I think this version wins a few points for “interesting-ness”. Plus, it’s tasty and creamy and I actually crave it first thing in the morning, so what more could you want in a bowl of oats?
The difference here is all in the preparation. Spices get added into water & cold milk (dairy or non-dairy, no big diff) and then when it simmers away for a bit, that’s when the good stuff begins. Do not doubt the power of a good spice infusion! Oats get added into the fragrant pot (remove the spices first or you’ll have twigs and shoots in your bowl). I like to add both Scottish oats (the fine, almost powdery stuff – Bob’s Red Mill makes a fine version) along with large flake oats, but you can stick with one or the other. I think steel cut would also work well here too, but you’ll have to adjust the amount of liquid and the cooking time (check the package for guidance). If you’re gluten-intolerant, make sure your oats are from a non-contaminated source, ie. buy gluten-free oats.
Of course, the best part about oatmeal is the toppings. I love a good amount of cinnamon, toasted nuts, maple syrup and raisins. My husband goes for fruit, coconut and brown sugar. Make it your own and then get on with your day.
creamy spiced oatmeal
(adapted from Mad Hungry)
I loved the spices below, but you could play with your own blend – vanilla would be lovely here (extract or even better, the scraped pod). Don’t be scared of the bay leaf, it adds a subtle, sweet herbal quality.
1 c milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 c water
1 whole cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
3 green cardamom pods
4 allspice berries
1 bay leaf
pinch of kosher salt
1/2 c rolled organic large flake oats
1/2 c Scottish organic oatstoppings: maple syrup, ground cinnamon, toasted sliced almonds, shredded coconut, raisins or other dried fruit, blueberry compote or other fresh or stewed fruit
In a medium sized pot, add in the water, milk and the whole spices, along with the pinch of salt. Let it simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it comes to a slow boil. Remove spices, reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the oatmeal, stirring occasionally until oats are tender, about 15 minutes. Serve in bowls and add in your favorite toppings. Makes 2-4 servings.
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Maybe it’s just me, but i think oatmeal IS majorly sexy…especially with all these spices!
Congrats on the move and on owning your own place!
Oatmeal is the greatest. Seriously, just the greatest. I *love* the idea of simmering cardamom and cinnamon in the milk for a little spicy kick. You just made the greatest thing even better. Amazing.
(Congratulations on the new crib! Exciting times!)
I love how that blueberry compote looks… I’ve made almost that same oatmeal for myself when I really want to class it up. My plan for this summer is to hijack a blueberry truck so I can do this more often.
This looks divine, I am going to try something like it this morning as it is a bit chilly here..a chilly spring morning.. have fun.. c
Congrats on your new home (and I sympathize with the 4 days of no internet – sadly, this is the worst!). On another note, it’s such a grey, chilly day outside that I am really wishing I had some of this oatmeal right about now!
I cook rolled oats in milk almost every morning, a cup of milk to a half cup of oats, plus a little kosher salt. I add the “toppings” into the pot though, so that the oatmeal absorbs all the flavors and everything stays hot. I’ve done this with coconut, dried apricots, apples or pears, granola, peanut butter, maple syrup, walnuts, etc.
That bowl of oats is a sight for sore eyes. Especially this morning, as the rain pours and the wind howls outside of my window. This foul weather is supposed to continue into the weekend, so this might be a perfect breakfast for tomorrow morning. Love the spice infusion!
Oh, and congrats on the move!
Love me some hot oatmeal in the morning…
I’m going to go help my son move and get setup this weekend and my back is already hurting in anticipation.
Congrats on the new place!
Those are the sexiest bowls of oatmeal ever! I love the idea of using whole to flavour the milk. I’ve never come across Scottish oats before .. what are they like when they cook up?
Joanne, thanks for the oatmeal confidence! I’ve been making this steadily for the past 2 months and haven’t tired of it yet. So good. And thanks for the congrats, we’re ecstatic!
Thank you Meister, it is the greatest, isn’t it? So simple and powerful.
Ha, go for it Todd 😉
Cecilia, this is the perfect comfort breakfast for chilly mornings, enjoy the cozy!
DP, enjoy the grey days and maybe if the weather sticks around you’ll be eating oatmeal for breakfast soon enough.
Sharyn, my mom used to add all the toppings into the pot too. For me, I like to add them last as I hate bloated raisins 🙂
Oh thank you, Amanda! The spice infusion was the way to go.
Owww, yes, the back pain!! We suffered some of that too! Good luck on helping your son with the move. And thanks!
Thank you, Karen – the Scotch oats are super super super creamy. It’s my most favorite way of eating oats. You should be able to find them pretty easily, most grocery stores here carry it.
I constantly crave oatmeal in the morning! These bowls are beautiful, much prettier than my morning bowl!
I know it might sound wierd, but I love your blog and I’ve left a little surprise in mine:
http://aroundsomethingelse.blogspot.com.es/2012/04/big-hugs-versatile-blogger-award.html
I’ve never gotten into oatmeal, but yours looks incredible! Love the addition of whole spices. I’ve been enjoying your Instagram pics of your new home. It’s so nice!! Congrats!
Ohhh….how lovely that looks! I would wait for tomorrow to have this for breakfast, but I’d rather have it tonight for dinner!
I might have to do this Sunday and get it pre-packed into little containers for my breakfast at work picnic. Sounds fantastic! I love the spice infusion idea. I am going to try it with steel cut oats (Bob’s Red Mill- big bag from Costco).
Wow, this looks utterly fantastic! I love the idea of infusing the milk with the spices… what a great way to celebrate oatmeal, that breakfast workhorse that is rarely considered “sexy”! I can’t wait to try this.
Thanks Jacqui, I’m glad I’m not the only oatmeal-craver out there!
Thanks so much Pati for the award and the love 🙂
Really, Nicole? Maybe you should try Scottish Oats, they are like coarsely ground oats and so much smoother and creamier. I love them a whole lot…and then give this recipe a try.
Rebecca, I think dinner oats would be fine! Enjoy.
Piper, that’s being prepared! Sounds great and yes, do give this a try with steel cut oats.
Thanks Cozy, enjoy!
Glad to hear things are calming down post-move. I hope you are loving your new place (and your new kitchen!!) I eat a lot of oatmeal, and think it’s easy to fall into habits, but once in a while I come across a new way of preparing it that blows me away. This, I must try!
Yum Yum Yum…can’t wait to try this
Thanks Kasey! We are pretty happy here (okay, really really happy here!) and happy to fall into routines once in a while, but yes, breaks are always needed.
Thanks Food Hunter!
Congrats on your new house/moving! This looks soooo good; can’t wait to try!
I’ve been on a Spring detox diet for the past week and so I’ve been avoiding looking at delicious food so I don’t cheat 🙂 Your oatmeal looks incredibly delicious. The blueberry liquid in the bowl is pure food porn. Yum!!!
This oatmeal sounds so much better than the plain way I make my oatmeal. Sounds delicious.
Yeah! This is right up my alley; after being sick for almost a week, I’ve been craving really good, basic, filling foods. Especially at breakfast. Congrats on the move — after we moved, I vowed to start doing back exercises at the gym because I strained those muscles so badly I was kind of a wreck for a while. Hope you’re settling in and loving it — fun to follow your photos on Instagram. ~m
Thank you, Nicole!
Joanne, you’ve got willpower. I’ve never been on a diet in my life and I’m okay with that.
WoD, it’s a keeper, enjoy!
Megan, I’m with you on the gym. I need to strengthen my knee muscles (I had a nasty twisted knee cap incident) and I don’t like feeling so achy and old 🙂
Hooray! Congrats on the big move! I HATE moving – all the packing and unpacking stress me out so much. Glad that most of that is behind you guys.
Thanks so much Dana 🙂