Oatmeal has the totally unfair popular opinion as being "poor people's food". With names like "mush" and "porridge", visions of a Victorian-era poor house come to mind. But the truth is, oatmeal is delicious.
The plain oat grain has a slightly sweet taste to it. Add some flavorings and you have a bowl that is positively delicious. It is warming and filling on cold winter mornings, to boot.
Yes, I'd eat oatmeal even if I won the lottery (not like that will happen as I don't buy lottery tickets. But if you happen to win the lottery and wish to share your winnings with me, I'd happily accept 😋 and still be eating my morning oatmeal.)
The first bite says it all. When I have that very first bite of this oatmeal, it's like biting the head off of a gingerbread man fresh from the oven.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the following:
3 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon molasses
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Bring all to a boil. Add:
1 2/3 cups regular rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Reduce to lowest heat, cover and simmer for about 12 minutes. Give a stir and serve.
I really like this with chopped pears on top, either fresh or canned.
If you are not as wild about spices as I am, add the molasses and salt to the water, and then spices just a bit at a time, tasting the water as you go, and halting the addition of spices when you feel there's enough.
