steel cut oatmeal with dried figs, the perfect morning "push"

admit it.  we've all been on the john in the morning and needed a little morning "push," which can come in many, many forms depending on well, your digestive system.  for some of us, the morning cup of joe is all one needs to clear it all out; for others it's a bowl of fiber-filled oatmeal.  i've never been a coffee drinker nor an oatmeal fan until my friend joyce introduced me to steel cut oats over one of our weekly girls breakfast get-togethers.  i don't know how i could have gone all these years without knowing that such goodness existed.  no amount of doctoring with brown sugar, cinnamon, fruit or nuts could ever hide the mushy texture of a bowl of oatmeal made out of rolled oats for me.  but steel cut oats takes care of that problem, providing just the right bite and also for me, just the right "push."

since my introduction to steel cut oats, i've been making a big batch every weekend switching up the fruit every week.  this recipe for steel cut oatmeal with dried figs satisfies my fig craving long after the end of fig season.  mixing in some juice with the water lends an even more natural sweetness to this morning treat.  to mix it up, feel free to cook in bananas, apples or pears instead or top with some fresh berries.  for an even extra "push," stir in some ground up flax seeds and i guarantee you'll be rushing to the toilet by 9. 

steel cut oatmeal with dried figs
serves 4

3 cups of water
2 cups of 100% apple juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup of steel cut oats
1 cup dried figs, rough chopped
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
brown sugar to taste
1/2 cup walnuts, rough chopped
real maple syrup for drizzling

bring water and juice to boil in a medium sized saucepan.  add salt and 1 cup of steel cut oats and lower heat to a simmer.  cook for about 25 minutes, stirring often, letting the oats slowly soak in all the liquids.   add 1 cup dried figs and simmer for another 5 minutes, which will soften and reconstitute the dried fruit.  season with cinnamon and brown sugar and add in walnuts.  drizzle with real maple syrup and serve warm for the perfect hot breakfast.   

Comments

[amanda]

haha we all need a little push, eh? loves it.

[a. grace]

amen to that, and thank heavens for oatmeal (and coffee)!

[JEP]

Oatmeal never looked sooo good!

[Kevin]

That oatmeal looks like a great way to start the day! I discovered steel cuts oats not too long ago. The steel cut oatmeal has a really nice texture.

[LunaPierCook]

Mary and I have oatmeal 2 - 3 times each week but we've never tried the steel-cut oats. Maybe I'll have to grab some this week and check it out. Thanks!