Porridge

No not doing time but porridge for Breakfast the one meal of a day that we should all have no matter what.  And what better way to start a cold autumn or winter morning than a bowl of steaming porridge, something that does not do you any harm, but is good solid food which keeps you going until lunch time.  You can add jam or fruit to this hot little number to vary the changes.  I am on about buying the porridge oats loose in a bag (at a cheaper price) I get mine from the Coop  currently £1.25 for 1kg (but you may be able to source them cheaper and all power to your elbow and your purse if you do) as they are cheaper than the well known Brand and because I make Flapjacks on a regular basis it is something that I always tend to have in the house anyway.  An ingredient that does double duty or more in my store cupboard is more than welcome and worth keeping in as it has earned its place.  Its also a very healthy ingredient although if you have a gluten intolerance this ingredient as it stands may not be for you.

On cold mornings it gives a nice hot start (fuel for the boiler should we say) and you can always add a side dish of stewed fruits say apple with cinnamon,  blueberries or mixed fruits warmed through, or jam, or syrup.

Serves approximately 2 servings

Standard porridge on the cooker top: (Not the Scottish way)

Measure out 75g of porridge oats into a medium sized saucepan and add 560ml of milk, water or  a combination of milk and water and mix the contents then bring to the boil stirring continuously.  Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 3 minutes stirring occasionally.  Serve immediately plain as is (I often add a sprinkling of sugar or serve with fruit, syrup or jam.  I sometimes add a little extra milk to the top as well.

Standard porridge in the microwave

Using the exact measurements weigh out the porridge oats and add them to a microwaveable bowl, add milk, water or a combination of both and mix well.

Cook for the following times stopping to stir half way through

Microwave 650B cook for 4 - 4 1/2 minutes stop and stir cook for a further 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. Stand  1/2 minute before serving

Microwave 860B cook for 3 - 3 1/2 minutes stop and stir cook for a further 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.  Stand 1/2 minute before serving

A cheap way to have a good filling breakfast especially in cold bracing weather.  Not enough to eat you can always finish it off with a couple of slices of toast spread with jam, or honey or have a pot of home made yogurt or bought yogurt.

And remember you can use the porridge oats in flapjacks, muesli bars, home made muesli, treacle tarts, bread, cookies so they more than earn their keep essential when you either have a large family to feed or simply want to live well and eat well.

Pattypan