I know it’s still mid-summer, but I always experience such mixed emotions regarding the changing seasons. Earlier this morning, I was fantasizing about Sweet Potato and Cranberry Oatmeal and Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal. I was drooling over the idea of autumn and imagining myself strutting the sidewalks of Manhattan with my light trench coat and some hot tea. Only a couple hours later, I noticed it was already the end of July, and my throat dried up a little bit. Where has my summer gone? I panicked.
What does this have to do with today’s recipe? This oatmeal just strikes me as a refreshing summer recipe, so that’s what led me to look at the calendar and notice how late in July it is.
Amusingly, this recipe isn’t inherently “summer.” Oranges, of course, are more of a winter fruit, but I tend to associate all citrus with summertime. Strawberries are available throughout the summer but are actually more a spring thing.
Whatever. All those minor details aside, this oatmeal was delicious, flavorful, and refreshing. I thought of it and threw it together on a whim, but I loved the result. Later, I realized I had unintentionally created a variation on Orange Blackberry Oatmeal. I like this version better; blackberries aren’t my favorite!
What you'll need:
- 1 orange
- 1 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/2 cup regular rolled oats
- dash of cinnamon
- a large handful of strawberries, quartered or diced
- pinch of salt
How to make it:
- Prep your orange.
- Bring milk (I use 1/2 c original almond milk and 1/2 c water) to a boil. Add oats, and reduce heat to medium. If you want to add flax or chia seeds to your oatmeal, do it now.
- Spoon out the segments from ONE orange half and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir.
- When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, add half of your strawberries and stir gently. Then, transfer to a bowl. Spoon out the segments from the other half of the orange on top, and add the rest of the strawberries. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).
Just an FYI:
Adapted from Orange Blackberry Oatmeal
2 Responses to Orange Strawberry Oatmeal