Oatmeal Bowl Recipe

Cook oats

In a small saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups water, 1/4 cup milk and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Stir in 1 cup rolled oats, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until creamy and the oats are tender (about 5–8 minutes for rolled oats). If oats thicken too much, add up to 2 tablespoons additional water or milk to reach desired consistency.

Remove from heat and let sit 1 minute, then stir to finish. Keep warm while you prepare chosen option(s).

If choosing brown sugar, stir 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon butter (optional) into the hot oatmeal until dissolved and evenly combined. Taste and add a pinch more sugar if you prefer sweeter.

Make compote

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup mixed berries, 1 tablespoon sugar or honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon water.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and begin to break down, about 4–6 minutes. For a thicker compote, mash some berries with the back of a spoon and simmer 1–2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon juice as needed.

Make pear compote

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup diced pear, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until pears are tender and sauce thickens slightly, about 6–8 minutes. If mixture dries, add 1 tablespoon water. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Divide the cooked oatmeal into bowls (or keep as single serving).

Top each bowl with your choice of: 2 tbsp brown sugar mixture, 1/4–1/2 cup mixed berry compote, and/or 1/4–1/2 cup pear compote. You can combine toppings (for example, berries + chopped nuts).

Finish with optional toppings: sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon chia or flax seeds and drizzle 2 tablespoons milk or cream if desired.

Serve warm.