When I want a little comfort food, I like it to be healthy, especially when there are unpleasant bugs going around. I want to be careful not to compromise my immune system with sugar; however, comfort often means sweet (at least, a little).
Enter a traditional favorite: oatmeal.
I go heavy on the spices because they’re so good for the immune system, and they also lend a bit of sweetness. And don’t be afraid to throw in the butter. Good food includes plenty of healthy fats: fats are not only good for the body’s systems and your brain, they also carry the flavor.
Kathy’s Comforting Oatmeal
Serves 3 – 4
Ingredients:
4 or 5 hours before, or the night before:
- 2 cups oats (use whatever is on hand: rolled / old fashioned; quick; use only 1/2 cup if using steel cut oats)
- Filtered water
- 2 Tbs kefir or yogurt
When you make it:
- 2 Tbs cinnamon
- ¼ tsp each of powdered spices: nutmeg, cloves, allspice
- 2 Tbs butter
- Several dashes Himalayan or mineral salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
Optional ingredients:
- Fresh or dried fruit, such as raisins, chopped dates, or fresh or frozen peaches
- Sweetener (you may not need this with the fruit), such as pure maple syrup, sucanat, stevia, or coconut palm sugar
- Dairy or non-dairy milk
- Peanut butter (I know – weird – but I tried it once and I like it)
Directions:
- Put the oats into a medium-size saucepan. Add enough water to cover the oats. (You’ll need extra water for steel cut oats: the ratio is 1:4, i.e., if you use ½ cup oats, then 2 cups water.) Add the kefir or yogurt, and stir. Allow to soak 4 or 5 hours, or overnight. (I discuss benefits of soaking grains here.)
- When you are ready to prepare your oatmeal, put the oats on to a low simmer until cooked: 5 minutes for quick oats; 10 minutes for rolled / old fashioned oats; 15-20 minutes for steel cut oats.
- Add the spices, butter, salt, and vanilla.
- Add optional ingredients.
- Stir together and heat it back up.
- Serve hot.
Sometimes I make “Apple Raisin Stuff:” I chop up apples, add a little water and some raisins, and simmer until the apples are soft. I throw in some cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice. I keep it in the ‘fridge or freezer to use in pies or to mix some into my oatmeal.
What do you like to put in your oatmeal?
Good morning Kathy, been up since o’dark thirty. Headed to make some oatmeal now, only because of this post. Thank you sister.
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Oh my, you WERE up early! Hope you enjoyed your oatmeal. 😊
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A gal after my own heart! Yes, I love dates and raisins – and peanut butter. (I like almond butter even better.) Stay warm and well, Kathy.
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Kindred spirits! 😊 God bless you.
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