Rise 'n Shine

Ronda L. Halpin
As the holidays approach, eggnog finds its way into refrigerators all over. I'm actually not a big fan of eggnog ... for drinking. However, I think it's an excellent ingredient in holiday treats. Everything from coffee drinks to bread pudding can take advantage of this rich treat. So, this month, I'm showcasing it in yet another application: oatmeal.

Now, before you wrinkle your noses at the thought of oatmeal, consider the rich, creamy texture of oatmeal cooked in an eggnog mixture and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Then imagine this happy concoction studded with chewy bits of dried fruit. Wash it all down with a cup of coffee, perhaps sweetened with a bit of eggnog, and you've got one festive holiday breakfast that's ready in minutes. Merry Christmas!

As always, I encourage you to share your recipe ideas and comments. You can always post comments using the forms provided in the articles or email me directly at . Enjoy!

Christmas Oatmeal

  • 2 c. milk
  • 1 1/2 c. eggnog
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 2 c. oats
  • 1 c. mixed dried fruit

Combine the milk, eggnog and seasonings in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add the oats and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook gently, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove the oatmeal from the heat and add the dried fruit. Stir to combine. Serve immediately.

  • Yields: 4 servings
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes