Winter-warming porridge

Frankly, the weather is disgusting today, but it is November, so I shouldn't complain. Wet and cold mornings are a chance to warm up with a nice bowl of porridge, topped with honey and your favourite fresh fruit. Super simple to do in a pan or the microwave, super quick and, as a bonus, super healthy. So grab your slippers and fleeces and head for the kitchen.

Serves: Use proportions below

Time to prepare/cook: Approximately 5 minutes to prepare fruit and then 5-10 minutes to cook

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Ingredients

• Rolled oats – use a measuring jug and fill up to 50-75 ml per person; with a coffee mug, this is about ½ a mug)

• Milk or almond/soy milk – same volume as oats, i.e. use the same measuring jug or mug to get the volume

• Water – same volume as oats, i.e. use the same measuring jug or mug to get the volume

• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon

• Optional: ½ teaspoon of nutmeg

• Honey to drizzle over the top

• Fresh fruit chopped finely (pears, apples, pomegranate are good; for a “Christmas” feel a spoonful of fresh cranberry sauce is also great)

• Note: The basic rule is twice the volume of liquid as oats; you can add more/less milk and water; more milk will make it richer but may also be thicker and take a little longer to cook; more water will make it less tasty

• Note: Put the pan/bowl in water straight away after serving and let it soak for a few minutes before washing (or it will be very hard to clean)

Method

In a pan

• Add oats, cinnamon, water and milk to pan

• Bring to boil and turn down to medium heat

• Simmer for around 5 mins until oats are soft – stir regularly to avoid sticking/burning on to the bottom of the pan

• Serve with honey and chopped fruit to add to taste

In the microwave

• Combine the oats, milk, water and cinnamon in a microwave proof bowl and cover loosely with microwave proof lid (a plate works fine)

• Microwave on full power for 3 minutes

• Remove carefully and stir

• Put back into the microwave and cook for another 2 minutes, then check consistency and if still a little too watery, cook for a further minute

• Serve with honey and chopped fruit to add to taste