Growing up, every time we visited my grandparents, my grandpa would make a batch of his special oatmeal. It was true comfort food at its finest: warm oats, cinnamon, raisins, brown sugar, walnuts, and thick, creamy half and half. He knew just the right technique and mix of ingredients to make the perfect bowl of oatmeal. It was always such a special treat, sharing those oats with Grammy and Grandpa at their kitchen table.
My grandma passed away a few years ago, and grandpa recently joined her. While it's comforting to know they're "home," it's little things like this recipe that bring comfort to those left behind. I wanted to remake Grandpa's special oats in a way I could truly enjoy within my health paradigm. I don't often do grains, as I find my body functions best without them, but soaking grains helps break down their protective exterior and makes them more easily digestible. I swapped brown sugar for a lower glycemic natural sweetener, and opted for full fat coconut milk instead of half and half. Everything else stays the same, and the flavor is almost identical to Grandpa's. The only thing missing? That dynamite guy himself. Dishes prepared by the hands of loved ones just have that little extra something special.
Grandpa would always call me "Grandpa's fine girl," so Grandpa's Fine Oats seemed the most fitting title for this love-filled recipe. I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do! This one's for you, Grandpa.
Grandpa's Fine Oats
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten free steel cut or rolled oats, soaked*
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup coconut milk, plus more for serving
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbs maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1 Tbs ghee
*You can opt out of soaking and cook per usual instructions, but I HIGHLY recommend the soaking process for easier digestion, better nutrient absorption, AND because the oats cook up quickly!
Directions:
- For soaked oats: In a glass bowl, add oats and 1 cup pure, filtered water, plus 1 Tbs acidic medium like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt. The acid helps with the breakdown. Cover and leave on the counter top overnight for 8-12 hours. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and add to a small saucepan with 1 cup pure water.
- Cook oats over medium heat until softened, approx. 5 minutes. You can adjust for how much "bite" you want to your oats. Steel cut will cook slightly longer than rolled oats. Add cinnamon, ghee, maple syrup, and coconut milk and stir to combine. Allow milk to absorb completely.
- Add raisins and reduce heat to low. Cook for a few more minutes to allow all flavors to build and combine.
- Stir in walnuts and remove from heat. Serve warm with additional coconut milk and desired toppings.
Spend time with your loved ones and take time to appreciate the small things, like a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal!
In loving health,
Ashley
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