Mom's Oatmeal Goes Tropical

I was at a diner/cafe not long ago with my family & ordered oatmeal. I was not expecting the "oatmeal" I was served; it was nothing like what I think of as oatmeal! Apparently some people think oatmeal should be gluey, slimy, goop. I disagree! My mom has always made oatmeal that is flavorful & a little bit chewy, and after the diner I found myself looking forward to a bowl of oatmeal like my mom makes. This recipe is a variation on the way she cooks oatmeal with a bit of a tropical twist.




1 cup water
1/2 cup rolled oats (old fashioned, not quick cooking)
1/4 to 1/3 cup fresh pineapple, diced or cut into small chunks
1/4 cup walnut halves, broken into pieces
1/8 cup raisins *
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup vanilla coconut milk (like Silk or So Delicious brand)
1/8 cup maple syrup, preferably grade B **

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the oats, walnuts, raisins, pineapple, and cinnamon. Reduce heat to medium and allow to cook until the oatmeal is softened but still a bit chewy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup. Allow the oatmeal to sit for a few minutes before serving but don't allow it to get cold.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups cooked. Obviously, use more or less cinnamon and maple syrup as you prefer!

* 1/8 cup is 2 TBSP so just use your TBSP if you don't have a 1/8 cup measure
** Grade B maple syrup is darker and has a stronger maple flavor. If you can't find any you can use Grade A, but I promise Grade B is worth looking for!

Maple Vinaigrette

Maple Vinaigrette is as simple as a salad dressing can get: it has only two ingredients! I find that it works best with two types of salad, spring mix and baby spinach, but it might work with other dark green leafy salads as well. My favorite way to serve Maple Vinaigrette is with some chopped (or just broken) walnut pieces atop spring mix salad, sometimes with shredded carrots. Even my 6 year old will eat a big bowl of that and come back for more, and spring mix is not among his favorite salads. The best part is that it takes only about a minute to prepare so you can throw it together right when you want it or store some in a jar in your refrigerator for another day. This recipe makes 3/4 cup of dressing.

Maple Vinaigrette

½ cup maple syrup, preferably grade B *
¼ cup vinegar (cider or distilled)

Combine the ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup and whisk together until well combined. Enjoy! Store any leftover dressing in a lidded container, such as a jar, in your refrigerator.


* Why grade B? Grade B maple syrup is darker and has a stronger maple flavor than other grades. I prefer it because of that stronger flavor. If you can't find it at grocery stores you may be able to get it at a natural food store, farmers market, or directly from a maple producer (if you live near one). Grade A will work here, it just isn't as strong.

Sweet Potato Soup *

2 – 2 ½ lbs sweet potato, cooked and skin removed
2 cups plain or unsweetened soymilk or other non-dairy milk
3 cups So Delicious Original Coconut Milk Beverage
1 ¼ tsp garam masala
½ tsp salt
2 TBSP grade B maple syrup or agave

In a large pot mash the sweet potato thoroughly with a potato masher. If you want a smooth soup be sure not to leave any lumps. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat the soup over medium (or medium-high and pay close attention to avoid burning). Serve hot.

My seasoning in relatively mild since I have to accommodate the taste buds of a 4-year-old. You may wish to add more garam masala to taste, but keep in mind that this soup will taste spicier as leftovers than the day you make it.