Winter Fruits Oatmeal

A hearty start to a chilly Winter morning

Prep & Cooking: 25-30 mins
Serves: 2

Main Ingredients:
½ cup steel cut oats - use gluten free oats if needed
2/3 cup fresh cranberries (use ¼ cup dried if you don’t have fresh)
1 pear cored and diced finely
1 apple cored and diced finely
Zest of one clementine (optional)
¼ cup pecans chopped and toasted (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Brown sugar or maple syrup to top (optional)

Method:
*Be sure to check the ratio and cook time for the oats you are using.
In a large saucepan over high heat, bring 2 ½ cups of water with a pinch of salt to a boil.
Add steel cut oats and reduce heat to medium.
Add fresh cranberries and cook uncovered for 10 minutes; stirring frequently to avoid clumping.
You may hear or see the cranberries popping. The berries are softening with the heat.
At the 10-minute mark add the diced apple and pear.
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently for an additional 15 minutes.
You may need to add additional water, a few tablespoons at a time, if the mixture becomes too thick.

When the oats are cooked through, remove from the heat and add the vanilla, clementine zest, and cinnamon.
Stir to combine. Top with toasted pecans and brown sugar or maple syrup.

Tips & Variations:

• If you are in need of a quicker version, use rolled or quick cook oats and ¼ cup dried cranberries
• Use any nuts you have on hand, toasted almond or walnuts work well
• This recipe is easily doubled or tripled and is an easy make-ahead breakfast to be reheated