Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Name: Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups steel-cut oats; Pinch of kosher salt; 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup raisins; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; Pinch of fine salt; 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into medium dice; 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar (such as Sugar in the Raw); Cinnamon Cream (recipe follows); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; (makes 1 scant cup)

December 14, 2011

Bland and mushy are forever banished; this is oatmeal for grown-ups. Steel-cut oatmeal (also referred to as Irish oatmeal) has a wonderfully nutty taste and a texture that is at once creamy and chewy. As a kid I always loaded my oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar; now I cook tart apple slices with the same ingredients for an unexpected yet familiar treat to layer with the oatmeal. A sprinkling of turbinado sugar and a quick hit from the broiler create a sweet brûléed crust and an extra touch of decadence. Crack the crust with your spoon and pour in the cinnamon-scented cream . . . oh yeah, you’ll be in love with oatmeal after this.

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