Are you ever just thirsty for something warm and comforting but you’re all tea-d and coffee-d out? We keep a variety of coffees (we might be a little obsessed) and teas in the house and ya know, I’m just not always feelin’ it. Last year when I was on my very restrictive diet that cut out coffee AND tea, I really didn’t have many other options until I came across a recipe made with oatmeal called, avena caliente. I had my doubts, especially putting the oatmeal in the blender but after a few tweaks it was just what I was looking for.
As it turned out, even on that horrible diet, this was one drink that I could have in unlimited amounts. It tends to be pretty filling so a small cup hit the spot on cold winter mornings.
Mix up a batch and keep it in the refrigerator to save precious minutes in the morning if you like. It reheats beautifully.
- ¼ cup old fashioned oats, gluten-free
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ c. brown sugar
- 2 c. +/- whole milk*
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. cloves, ground
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ⅛ tsp. ginger, ground
- Combine oats and water and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Put into blender and blend at high speed until oatmeal is all but dissolved.
- Strain solids from the liquid. You can do this through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- In medium saucepan, heat liquid, sugar, and spices over medium heat until thickened and just beginning to boil. Boil for 1 minute.
- Turn off heat and add milk.
- Serve immediately, with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.
*This recipe works really well with diary-free “milks” too.