30 Days of Oatmeal: Tart Ginger Strawberry

To be honest, I was aiming for a strawberry gingerbread flavor for this oatmeal. Traditionally, gingerbread contains molasses as a sweetener. I omitted it and ended up with a porridge stronger in the ginger flavor.

You know what, though? I actually liked the tart flavor. And this simple porridge lends itself to all kinds of potential toppings: almond butter, coconut, crushed ginger snaps, etc. Have fun with this one!

Ingredients:

1/2 c quick cooking oats
1 c water
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t ginger
1/4 t cloves
1/2 c frozen strawberries, thawed

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, combine oats and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low.
2. When oats reach desired consistency, stir in spices, and then fold in strawberries.
3. When strawberries are warm, transfer oats to a bowl and add toppings as desired.

Strawberry Almond Cardamom Oatmeal

Remember when I tried that strawberry cardamom oatmeal? I really didn't like the earthy, spicy flavor of the oats. But I think I figured out the trick: add oatmeal to the applesauce. Are you surprised? This is my favorite trick, after all.

Then add the fruit and some almond butter on top. Mmm!

Ingredients:

1/2 c old-fashioned oatmeal

1 c water

1/4 c unsweetened applesauce

1/4 t cardamom

1 T (or more) natural almond butter

4 fresh strawberries, sliced

Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Bring water and oats to a boil and reduce heat to medium.

2. When oats reach the desired consistency, stir in the applesauce and cardamom. Simmer oatmeal on low until some of the liquid from the applesauce absorbs and the oats become thick and rich.

3. Transfer oatmeal to a bowl, and top with the almond butter, sliced strawberries, and cinnamon.