Homemade Flavoured Oatmeal

Homemade Flavoured OatmealIt was dark and rainy this morning, and there was a cold breeze we haven’t felt in months. I love the food this time of year because we still have freshly ripe and juicy fruits but as the temperatures drop we start incorporating more hearty items. Warm oatmeal with lots of fruit is an ideal breakfast for transitioning into autumn and fuelling us through long days.
Homemade Flavoured OatmealSteel cut oats can’t be beat for their nutritional content, toothsome texture and deep nutty flavour but they do take a while to cook. For this dish I took a shortcut with instant oats and cooked them over the stove with some spices, fruit and almond butter for a homemade version of flavoured oatmeal. It can be made the night before and heated up in the morning on the stove with some extra milk or cream, or put into a dish and baked in the oven for baked oatmeal. If stored in the fridge in an airtight container it can last for a few days.Steel cut oatsSteel cut oatsQuick oatsQuick oatsHomemade Flavoured OatmealPreparing a dish like this means that breakfast can be on the table in around 5 minutes once morning comes. A little tray of different nuts, seeds and chopped fresh, frozen or dried fruits can go on the middle of the table so that everyone can customize their own toppings. If there are a couple minutes to spare, cutting the fruit into shapes with small metal cookie cutters can be a nice touch.
Homemade Flavoured OatmealIt’s the kind of breakfast that can be perfect for chaotic September mornings if there are kids to prepare for school. Countless studies have shown the immense benefits to children that rise in correlation with the amount of sit down meals they have at home with their families. The routine, togetherness and sense of security that engaging around a table (ideally away from televisions, computers and cell phones) leads to definitely can help improve children’s scholastic performance and lower long term risk for things like obesity and substance abuse. Letting them choose their own toppings leaves them some freedom of control and lets them be goofy and creative. Time around the table can give children a chance to learn about nourishing their bodies as well as give them a space where they can talk about what’s happening in their lives and get feedback from the rest of the family.Homemade Flavoured Oatmeal

Homemade Flavoured Oatmeal
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS:
  • 4 cups fruit (I used a combination of frozen cherries and peaches)
  • 3 cups instant oats
  • 2 cups water
  • ⅓ cup almond butter
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Stir the oats, water, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a large pot. Add the fruit in and place on the stove and cook according to package direction. I stirred in continuously for around 5 minutes until it was quite thick then turned the heat all the way down to the lowest setting, placed the lid on the pot and left it for 10 minutes until it was about as thick as it could possibly be and the fruit was completely cooked and broken down. Stir in the almond butter and serve hot. Top with any desired nuts, seeds, fruits, yogurt and syrups.
  2. To reheat:
  3. Scoop into a large pot on the stove over medium high heat and add in enough milk or cream to thin it out enough to be easy to stir. Continue stirring for around 5 minutes until it is heated through.
  4. or
  5. Scoop into a greased baking dish and bake in the oven on 350° for around 20 minutes, until heated through and the top is golden and crisp.

Homemade Flavoured Oatmeal

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