flavors of fall: pear and oat breakfast bowl

     I just love the smell of cinnamon first thing on a chilly fall Sunday morning. When I woke up this morning I knew cinnamon had to somehow be involved in my breakfast. 

     Earlier this week I snacked on a pear with some almond butter at work. I loved the two flavors together and decided to recreate it this morning. Oats just made perfect sense in my mind to bring it all together!

     When I was a kid I absolutely loved pears. Still do! Every time I eat them I'm suddenly 8 years old again hanging out in my parents' kitchen, the smell of a seasonal candle or incense in the air. They're just comforting. Perhaps my mom's routine candle burning is why I love the smell of cinnamon in the morning so much! 

     This really requires so little effort which is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. It's just as easy to make a solo batch (as I did this morning because Anthony slept in much later than I did!) as it is to make a giant batch for family and friends to enjoy. Simply multiply the recipe according to how many people you are cooking for. Served with a fresh cup of coffee or tea it's absolutely perfect. Ahh...this morning was good.

Pear and Oat Breakfast Bowls
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 1 person

You Will Need:

• 1/2 cup quick cooking steel cut oats (**make sure you are buying gluten free oats if you are wanting the recipe to be GF!)
• pinch of salt (for cooking the oats)
• 1 TBS almond butter
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/3 cup diced pear (I used bosc pear)

1. Boil 1 cup of water in a small pot with a pinch of salt. Once at a boil, stir in oats then cover and lower to a simmer. Stir every few minutes until it is cooked to your desired thickness.
2. When oats are done, place in a bowl. Split almond butter into small scoops and dollop all over oats.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cardamom.
4. Add pear in a small pile in the middle of the dish. Sprinkle with just a tad more cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!