porridge from steel cut oats

the english weather makes porridge a lovely breakfast on almost any given day of the year except perhaps in the summer. then too, i suspect that london is crisp in the mornings. i am finding it quite hard to have my usual cereal and cold milkfor breakfast when it is so chilly and grey. i've started to eat a lot of oatmeal or porridge as they call it in this part of the world.

it was my friend, trevor, who first introduced me to the concept of oatmeal made from steel cut oats a while back when i was still living in the bay area. she got me hooked on mccann's steel cut oats which came in a distinctive old-style tin. i got addicted to the chewy, wholesome texture of the grain. every since, i haven't been able to eat rolled oats or the instant flavoured varieties available in the supermarket.

i was browsing the food halls of selfridges a few weeks back looking for mccann's. i found a look-alike (or perhaps the original!) called hamlyn's pinehead oatmeal. hamlyn's is a scottish brand and i have found their pinehead oatmeal makes an absolutely chunky and delicious porridge.




place 1/2 cup of oatmeal to 3 cups water or milk in a saucepan. i usually use water and add just a bit of milk when the porridge is ready. bring to boil, stirring well. simmer for 20 or 25 minutes, or until desired consistency. i like to add bananas, raisins and some honey to my porridge to make it a hearty breakfast.