This recipe came about from two different needs. 1) More “5 ingredients or less” recipes. 2) I booked a spontaneous flight to visit mon petit ami before my spring semester started, and I wanted to build up my recipe collection before leaving (hence all the guest posts recently).
I bought raw cashews recently to make a cashew cheese log during the holidays. I had some leftover that I’ve just been saving for the next time I want to do something impressive with cashews. After a couple months, I decided that I will never be ambitious enough for that, so oatmeal it is.
You could skip the toasting process by buying roasted cashews, but freshly toasted nuts are seriously the best thing your taste buds will ever experience. That toasty flavor is something that just can’t be matched. (Bonus: it makes your kitchen smell positively brilliant.)
This is a very simple recipe, but you could amp it up if desired. My favorite way is to add 1/4 tsp cardamom, but I’m Crazy4Cardamom lately. Other options are using almond extract instead of vanilla, adding 1/4 tsp cinnamon (it is so interesting with berries!), chocolate chips, or a splash of lime juice!
If you want to pump up the cherry flavor, consider adding a small spoonful of maraschino cherry juice. ??
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What you'll need:
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup quick-cook steel cut oats
- 1/2 cup (or more) chopped, pitted, and halved/diced cherries (I used frozen)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla or hazelnut extract
- pinch of salt
- handful raw cashews, for topping
How to make it:
- Add liquid to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low boil and add oats. Reduce heat to medium low (it should be at a simmer).
- Add cherries and stir.
- While you wait, toast your cashews. In a small skillet over medium low heat, add a handful of cashews. Shake the skillet occasionally so they toast evenly. When cashews starts to show toasty golden goodness, remove from heat and set aside.
- When more liquid has absorbed in the oatmeal, add vanilla extract and salt.
- When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Add a splash of milk, toasted cashews, and any other desired toppings (fresh or dried fruit, coconut, nut butters, etc).
Just an FYI:
For a fun variation, add 1/4 tsp cardamom.
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