By Camille Gibson

One morning recently, (after a particularly tough week!), I decided I needed a properly comforting breakfast. This spiced porridge is what I came up with.

It’s silky and sweet, even before you add any honey or sugar. Enough to put a smile on anyone’s face!

Serves 4

 Ingredients

120g porridge oats

400ml tin of coconut milk

300ml water

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

½ tsp vanilla extract

Toasted, chopped hazelnuts (optional)

Chia seeds (optional)

Honey/brown sugar (optional)

Stove Top Method

Place the oats, coconut milk, water, spices and vanilla into a medium sized pan.

Stir gently on a medium heat until the porridge has come to a boil.

Turn the heat down to low and let the porridge simmer for 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

Sweeten with honey or brown sugar if desired.

Serve with a sprinkling of toasted, chopped hazelnuts, chia seeds and a splash of cold coconut milk.

This recipe is easy on the purse strings (another reason to smile!}  If you want to reduce the costs even further, replace the coconut milk with regular milk.

Slow Cooker Method:

Mix oats, milk and water in the slow cooker and cook on low while you sleep.  In the morning, add remaining ingredients and serve.