One-Pot Wonders

Fruity, Crunchy, Creamy, Good Oatmeal

by:
April  8, 2013
3.8
4 Ratings
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Cook time 30 minutes
  • Serves 1
Author Notes

This breakfast is as much about the toppings as it is about what lies beneath. A comforter of warm and milky oatmeal provides the ideal base for all kinds of deliciousness. Ideally, you want to get a good bit of crunch, chew, and mouth-coating richness in each bite. Don't worry about the calories or cholesterol. Don't worry about a thing. The oats are heart-healthy and cancel out the butterfat (I think). —creamtea

Test Kitchen Notes

This is really a no-recipe recipe, and a simple way to dress up hot cereal with many different variations. Try a sprinkle of granulated brown sugar, some chopped dried dates, and pecans for a different dimension. —Risa

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Oatmeal
  • 3/4 cup low-fat milk or, for Irish oatmeal, 1 cup water
  • 1 pinch salt (for rolled oat version only)
  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or, for Irish oatmeal, 1/4 cup Irish oats
  • Garnishes
  • Drizzle heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Small handful dried California apricots, coarsely chopped
  • Small handful coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Drizzle pure maple syrup, or a scant tablespoon of brown sugar, crumbled slightly
Directions
  1. In a small, heavy saucepan, bring milk and salt to a bare simmer, then pour in oats. For the Irish version, bring water to a boil, then pour in Irish oats.
  2. Lower heat and cook, stirring with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, about 5 minutes, or until thickened. Irish oatmeal will take about 20 to 30 minutes -- keep an eye on the pot so it doesn't boil dry.
  3. Remove oatmeal from heat and scrape into a bowl. Top with garnishes; starting with the butter and cream, and ending with the syrup or brown sugar. Serve with a steaming mug of coffee -- I like Sumatra.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

0 Reviews