We all know “someone”, who can’t go past a freebee. Who goes around and around to people handing around free samples just so they can collect as much as possible…
Well I know a couple of those people, and I can certainly relate to it, especially when I see something that looks particularly appealing. And let’s face it – it’s the best sort of bargain out there – you get something for nothing!
Even though I’ve never liked porridge that people have made (I’ve found they tend to be a bit plain, and since I don’t like dried fruit, it doesn’t even add an extra element that would entice me), I picked up a few samples of porridge in new flavours or a different brand being handed out. One had dried fruit, the other Vanilla and Almond Porridge. Well, the later actually sounds nice, so after trying it, I realised I would have it again. But samples don’t last long… they’re samples. And not finding them in the shops meant I would try and make it myself (and it’s likely to be both cheaper and healthier – as you know exactly what goes into it).
So, one trial for the recipe and I was pretty happy with the result (even more so than the original product, after being given another sample and doing a taste-test comparison)! This is great for our cold weather (and unfortunately weather that is going to get colder and rainier).
Almond and Vanilla Porridge
Serves: 1 small serving, feel free to double the quantity
1/3 cup rolled oats, blitzed in a food processor until chopped slightly (or Quick Oats)
1 tablespoon blitzed roasted almonds
1 teaspoon caster sugar
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon
2/3 cup milk (approximately)
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix the vanilla with the milk and pour into bowl. Mix together and microwave on high for 1 minute (Be careful, this will be hot). Stir mixture and cook on high for another 30sec – 1min, until as thick as you like. Add more milk depending on the consistency and temperature you like your porridge.
I’ve been having quick microwave porridge almost every morning for the past month or so, even though I normally don’t eat breakfast and don’t like porridge. I like the brown sugar and cinnamon flavour of Uncle Toby’s. Plus it’s so easy to make.
Very true about homemade being healthier and cheaper! Crushed almonds sounds like a nice way to eat porridge. You could try banana or apple cooked in the mix too if you don’t like dried fruit.
Healthy and flavorful, i love vanilla and cinnamon together..yum yum!
Oohh I like the sound of combining all the suggestions to create an almon/vanilla/brown sugar/cinnamon/banana and apple porridge with a squeeze of honey
I love this idea of making your own!
Pretty cool post. I just stumbled upon your site and wanted to say
that I have really liked reading your blog posts. Any way
I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon!
I agree, homemade oatmeal from scratch can’t be beat. I used to eat the Quaker packets but I like making it myself and haven’t used a packet for ages. Nice flavour combination!
Hi everyone – love the sound of your flavour suggestions, I am still eating the almond and vanilla one, but have tried a brown sugar and cinnamon one but it didn’t taste as good.
Hi Mary – Thanks for visiting, I hope you continue to like the posts 😛