I start out most of my days with a smoothie and I usually pay dearly for it as I shake until I can warm up again (usually a shower or lots of blankets do the trick).  I’ve said it before; I just love them too much to give it up.  I love how easy, healthy and tasty they are… but sometimes it is so wonderful to sit and have a bowl of warmth for breakfast during the winter.I look out my windows and see the temporarily permanent white landscaping.  I know it will melt eventually, but at this point in the season it appears to be a permanent fixture.  It is on a morning like that when I really need to start my day with something warm (and therefore comforting).Oats are always a great choice on a morning like that.  I usually make old fashion oats, but the other day I realized that I haven’t made steel cut oats in months and it is always nice to have a little variety, right?  I have been toying around with this flavor combination for a while now and I finally tried it!  It was as I expected it to be: unique, fun and a little fancy, but still yummy.I left the ratios pretty open, as we all will garnish with different amounts.  This is another simple one.  I included direction for making your oats the night before or the morning of, but you could also make this with old fashion oats if you don’t have steel cut on hand.  Also, I know walnuts are hit and miss for some people.  I made my husband’s bowl with slivered almonds and it was great as well.  Always remember to adjust a recipe when you need to:-)

Walnut Pear Raisin Steel Cut Oats

1 C steel cut oats

3 ½ C water

1. Overnight cooking:  place oats and water in a pot on the stove, cover and bring to a boil.  Turn off stove and leave covered pot on the stove overnight.
2. Morning of cooking:  Place oats and water in a pan on the stove and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes or until the oats are cooked and the water is gone.

Almond milk, to cover the oats

1-2 t vanilla

¼ – ½ pear, diced

Pinch or two of salt

Small handful of chopped walnuts

Small handful of raisins

Cinnamon garnish

Agave to taste

1. Scoop oats into bowl and cover oats with almond milk (or any milk of choice).  Add vanilla and salt.  Microwave for 1-2 minutes until oats and milk are warm/hot.
2. Add walnut, pear, raisin and cinnamon garnish.  Add agave to taste.  (Especially after you have already added the initial big squirt of agave/honey, add sweetener slowly to make sure you don’t overdue it:-)

Hopefully this helps you welcome in a new week!  Have a great Monday!