Some of Wisconsin's winteriest weather tends to visit this time of year - between the middle of January and the middle of February - and it can manage to knock even those of us born here on our butts. So what's one to do? I fight back with warm beverages and roaring fires (or candles if I'm in low effort mode). But I also do something else - I start those frigid mornings with a hot breakfast. And not every day needs courses or eggs in a skillet (although we'll do some of that as we visit some great breakfast ideas for a while). This creamy oatmeal is one of my favorite go to morning meals and it fits everywhere from busy weekday mornings to laid back weekend ones.
If you don't have maple syrup, feel free to use honey or brown sugar. You can opt for any kind of milk or use all water - though that will yield a less creamy oatmeal. I used an apple in this, but pears, bananas, and any number of other fruits also work. You can choose whatever dried fruit you love and/or have on hand. I tend to put together a somewhat involved blend because I make this dish so often. And while I used walnuts, you can use whichever nuts you like and a blend would also be just fine! You can also add fresh fruit to the top of your bowls of oatmeal right before serving - I like bananas or berries for that. Really, the only rule here is serve this right away. Cold oatmeal is just sorta sad, if you ask me.
I usually just have a nice bowl of this oatmeal and a mug of coffee or tea. You could put out a plate of muffins or pastries if you are feeling fancy, of course. My dog doesn't care how we serve any of it … he just wants to lick out the saucepan after it's cooled! After all, he figures that's what oatmeal days are all about. You might disagree, but I certainly hope you enjoy it!
Snowy Day Fruit & Nut Oatmeal
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. milk
- 2 c. old fashioned oats - not instant
- 2 T. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- ½ c. dried fruit - I used a combination of golden raisins, cranberries, cherries, dates, pears, and peaches
- ¼ c. chopped nuts - I used walnuts
Combine the water and milk in a 2 quart or larger saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boi. Stir in the oats and, if desired, a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium and cook (uncovered), stirring occasionally.
After 2 minutes of cooking, add the maple syrup, cinnamon, chopped apple, dried fruit, and nuts. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the oats are creamy with a bit of bite left in them. Serve hot.
- Yields: 3-4 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes