Vegan Irish Oatmeal

My mom used to make oatmeal for us on cool fall and cold winter mornings, before we'd head off to school.  While Bobby and Maya aren't sold on the idea of oatmeal yet (unless it's in a cookie and, even then...), Peter and I have often spent a chilly a.m. with a bowl of piping hot, Irish oatmeal.  And there's no better way to have it than with a hot cup of tea!

Vegan Irish Oatmeal  (serves 4 @ 425 calories per serving)

In a pot, heat 1 cup of almond milk until boiling.  Add in 160 grams (4 cups) steel cut oats (also called Irish or Scottish oats) and reduce the heat to medium-low (around 4/10 on the range).  Cook for 10 minutes, then add 56 grams (about 1/2 cup) chopped walnuts and 80 grams (about 1/2 cup) raisins.  Stir well every few minutes and cook for another 15 minutes.  Add 28 grams (about 2tbsp plus 1tsp) brown sugar and 2tbsp vegan (or dairy if you prefer, but then it isn't vegan!) butter and stir well to combine, cooking for 5 more minutes.  Remove from heat and let sit for 2-5 minutes, then enjoy!

I find the oatmeal a tad sweet, so if I'm making a single serving, I usually only add 1tsp of brown sugar; Peter on the other hand, always tosses in an additional squeeze of maple syrup.  You could also omit the butter and add a dollop of apple sauce or omit/lessen the brown sugar and use maple syrup to sweeten completely.

Bainigí sult as an bia!
(ya'll dig on in!)