Cherry and Tangerine Oatmeal

It's funny how I'd consider this recipe for Cherry and Tangerine Oatmeal to be one of my favorite breakfast recipes, but the recipe hasn't yet made it onto my blog after a year of blogging. And I think I've only had it once the past year. I guess that happens sometimes when you love trying and creating new recipes, but it's fun to remember old favorites and get them back into the rotation.

This recipe was my first introduction to steel cut oats. They're much more textured than regular oatmeal and have a bit of a crunch. I always love breakfast recipes that almost taste too good to be breakfast, but are really good for you, and these oats are another one of those kind of recipes. My only problem is remembering to mix it up the night before. Last night, that's all I could remember. I went downstairs to grab a prescription I had just picked up, but while down there I saw this recipe sitting out on the counter. I decided I'd throw it together really quick while I had a minute. After cleaning up, I went back upstairs wondering why I had originally gone downstairs in the first place. This morning I was so glad I had gotten sidetracked from my original task just long enough to do the prep work for this delicious Cherry and Tangerine Oatmeal. I can't promise that it's this recipe, but I've been feeling energetic and full of positivity all day. I'm convinced that starting the morning with a fabulous breakfast is a contributing factor.

Cherry and Tangerine Oatmeal
adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1 cup dried tart cherries
• 2 tsp finely shredded tangerine peel or orange peel
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Dash ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• Milk (optional)
• 4 tsp raw sugar (turbinado) or granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped

In a nonmetal bowl combine oats, cherries, tangerine peel, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and vanilla. Stir in milk; cover and chill for 8 to 24 hours.

To serve, transfer oatmeal mixture to a medium saucepan. Heat just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until oatmeal is done, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted. If desired, add additional milk to make desired consistency. Spoon into 4 bowls; sprinkle with sugar and nuts. Serve with additional milk, if desired. Makes 4 servings.