Anyway, the point is, my kitchen is my comfort zone. I never realize how truly “at home” I feel in that space until I have to cook in someone else’s kitchen. For example, my whole world is flipped upside down when I visit my parents. I spend my mornings in a panic: where’s the almond milk?! Where’s the natural peanut butter??? Where’s my EARTH BALANCE?!! Oh, the horror!
But that didn’t stop me from making this beauty. Unfortunately, I had to make it using water. Gag. I don’t understand how people can make oatmeal with water. It just makes such a sad bowl of porridge…
I overcame that, though. No flax…no coconut oil…no almond milk…no problem! I’m a teacher; I’m trained in creativity and flexibility. Even without my most beloved ingredients, I managed to whip up this bright and lively creation. Sha-blam!
I didn’t want to give you a “sad” bowl of porridge, though. Thus, the second time I made it, I used half orange juice, instead of all water. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of fruit juices, but that’s mainly because I oppose the mainstream’s concept of it being a suitable alternative to whole, fresh fruit. I think there’s a major difference between viewing non-whole food as a treat (or in this case, a flavor enhancer) and viewing it as a staple in one’s diet. Take soy sauce, for example. It’s not something anyone eats for nutrition benefits, but it sure as heck adds great flavor to a stir-fry! Similarly, I do not view fruit juice as a nutritional addition to my diet…but a half-cup in my oatmeal to boost the flavor? Sure, why not.
However, when I’m back home, I will gladly make this with my usual mix of almond milk and water. 🙂
Oh, and one more thing: my mom, sister, and I are going to a play tonight. We’ll be staying in a hotel, and the website promises that their continental breakfast has hot cereals. I’m hoping that means they’ll have packets of plain, unflavored instant oatmeal, and I can spruce it up with the jams and fruits they have on hand. Wish me luck! 🙂
What you'll need:
- 1 cup milk of choice, or water or orange juice
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
- 1 orange
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- pinch of salt
- sliced almonds
How to make it:
- Bring milk (I used half orange juice, and half water. I highly recommend not using all water for this recipe) to a boil.
- While you're waiting for the liquid to come to a boil, this is an ideal time to "prep" your orange. Cut it in half across its mid-section, like you would for a grapefruit. Then, I take a paring knife and slide it down each side of every segment. That will make them easier to spoon out.
- When the liquid begins boiling, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.
- Spoon/cut out orange segments (from both halves) and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add both extracts, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt.
- If you'd like to add any extra ingredients (coconut oil, raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds), do so now.
- When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice, sliced almonds, and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.). You could also top with orange zest.
