Maple Vanilla Oatmeal

Some meals are too simple to ever justify paying for them; oats should be at the top of that category. In the corner restaurant near my apartment, cinnamon is considered a premium topping right next to blueberries and strawberries. Would you really pay extra for a finger-tip worth of cinnamon? Put that wallet away.

If you don’t have a go-to oatmeal recipe, Winter’s a good time to pick one up. It’s warm, hearty, and filling but quick and easy to put together for 1 or a crowd. You can dress this recipe up with walnuts, raisins, sliced apples, or any number of different mix-ins, but on its own it’s good, too. 

The vanilla in this recipe adds a slightly savory and complex flavor to cut the sweetness of the maple, but if you’re making this for a picky palate you might want to leave it out.

Maple Vanilla Oatmeal

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients(Makes 2 Servings):

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method:

1. Combine the oats, salt, and 2 3/4 cup water in a medium pot on the stove.
2. Bring the pot up to a boil over medium-high heat stirring occasionally. Leave uncovered.
3. As the water boils stir more constantly with a wooden spoon.
4. When the oats have cooked and stick together, turn off the heat. Add in the vanilla, syrup, salt, and cinnamon and continue stirring for 20 seconds.
5. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before scooping into 2 bowls.
6. Serve warm with brown sugar and cinnamon on top.