Chai Spice Oatmeal

Oats are the perfect grain for starting the day, naturally sweet and soothing, and a terrific source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, fiber and B vitamins. Samuel Johnson once noted that oats are "a grain used in England to feed horses and in Scotland to feed the populace," which might be why there were so many splendid specimens of English horses and Scots. Oatmeal porridge was a staple breakfast food of older Canadians, and it's so quick and easy to make there's no reason why it shouldn't become a staple for a new generation as well. Avoid instant oats, because most of the nutrients are lost during a high temperature precooking stage, and they also contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners. The time saved is a matter of mere minutes, compared to a significant loss of taste and nutritional value.

Oats are easy to dress up with fresh or dried fruit, butter, milk or cream, but every once in a while I like to spice it up for a change. The oats taste like they were cooked in a chai tea latte, and it's as simple and fast to make as any oatmeal porridge.

Chai Spice Oatmeal

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on April 16, 2007 Simple and quick breakfast oatmeal with fragrant chai spices Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup rolled or steel-cut oats 1 cup water 1 cup plain whole fat yogurt 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander pinch of saffron (optional) 2 teaspoons raw honey 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Instructions: Stir the oats and half the water and yogurt in a small glass or ceramic bowl. Let stand overnight at room temperature. Pour the other half of the water and yogurt in a small saucepan, and whisk in the salt and spices. Bring almost to a boil over medium heat, then immediately turn down the heat to low and let the pan simmer for a few minutes. Add the vanilla and honey and stir until the honey is dissolved. Pour in the oat and yogurt mixture that had been soaking overnight. Cover the pan and leave it over low heat, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until the oats have thickened to your liking. Serve hot as is, or with raisins, apples or nuts. Makes 2 servings