Best Oatmeal Ever

Name: Best Oatmeal Ever
Yield: serves 2
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled or steel-cut oats; 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cups water; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup dried cranberries, cherries, raisins, currants, blueberries, or a mixture; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, or 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1/4 cup organic milk or soy milk (optional); Chopped toasted almonds or walnuts (see page 97), for garnish (optional); Dried Fruit Compote (page 183), Blueberry Compote (page 185), or Seasonal Stewed Fruit (page 184), for garnish (optional)

December 9, 2011

Ever notice how in the United States the consistency of most oatmeal falls somewhere between wall plaster and grout? The things we do to those poor oats. There oughta be a law! As a result, we often resort to the culinary equivalent of wallpapering, covering up the abomination with butter and brown sugar. This is a shame, because oatmeal just needs a little love to deliver a heartwarming, nutritious meal. The best oatmeal recipe is akin to a two-part harmony, pairing solid prep with inspiring spices to yield a joyous anytime song. Part of the trick is to soak the oats overnight, so plan ahead. Top this with fruit compote or nuts, and you’ll never again wonder why oatmeal isn’t used as an industrial adhesive.

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