When I was growing up, breakfast was a fairly predictable pattern – cereal in the summer and fall, instant oatmeal (or, as we called it, hot cereal) in the winter and spring. When I stayed over at my grandma’s house and had her oatmeal, it was always a fantastic treat – of course, I later realized that she made hers from whole rolled oats rather than a package, which was why it was so good. In an effort to incorporate more whole grains into my eating, I have been eating more oatmeal lately, and I’m remembering how much I loved real oatmeal as a kid. In experimenting with different ways to flavor my oatmeal these days, I remembered my childhood favorite flavor of “hot cereal” – Raisins & Spice. The following is a combination of my new method of cooking oatmeal and my old favorite flavor – a perfect fusion of creamy oats, juicy raisins and warming spices. Enjoy!
Raisin Spice Oatmeal
Ingredients for a single serving of oatmeal
1/3 cup raisins
1 tablespoon agave nectar
scant 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
- Follow the instructions on the packaging of the oats you buy (I used Quaker today, but I also like McCann’s and the Whole Foods 365 Organic Rolled Oats) to make a single serving of oatmeal.
- Take off heat and stir in agave nectar, raisins and spices. Taste and make adjustments as needed.
Yield: Serves 1
Source: Inspired by Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Raisins & Spice.
