….Timmy’s back! At long last we are in our new place! There is still much to do but we are settling in and are very much in love with our new home. Once we are a little more settled (when every surface isn’t covered in bubble wrap and boxes) I will show you around the new place. But before we get to that, lets rewind a little. I never got to write about our time in New York and more importantly I never told you about a certain porridge recipe I love.
My trips to New York always feel like returning home. I spent some time living there when I was younger and many of my closest friends are there now. This most recent trip was particularly special because two friends got married. I could spend a whole post writing about the wedding—it was such a joyous event filled with good people and fun. There is also plenty to write about in terms of food. I visited favorites (Marlow and Sons, Bread, City Bakery) and found new places to love (The Good Fork, Mayahuel, Milk Bar).
But one of my favorite meals in New York was breakfast at my dear friend Brooke’s apartment. I had heard she made a mean porridge and had been wanting to learn her technique for quite a while. In addition to being an all-around amazing human being, Brooke is a pretty serious cook. I don’t have much experience with hot cereals. They were not eaten in my house growing up and so I never understood the appeal of bowl of oatmeal. This porridge, however, was a different story. It was brilliant.
And fast forwarding back to the present, Brooke’s porridge was the very first thing I made in our new place. It was fun to sit in our new dining room, surrounded by half-emptied boxes, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious cereal before heading off to work. It was especially good because it reminded me of Brooke and all of my other friends in New York. I am excited to have them come visit so I can serve them bowls of this delicious stuff while sitting in our dining room which will (hopefully) be free of moving supplies and feel like a home.
So, thanks to Brooke for sharing this recipe/technique with us and thanks to all of you for being so patient with me in recent weeks. Excited to be back in the kitchen. And just in time for cranberries and holiday baking! Good stuff coming your way!
This recipe (which is maybe more of a technique) is easily adaptable to suit your taste. Brooke made it for me with blackberries, oat bran and buckwheat honey. My version was made using raspberries, oat bran and clover honey. I also added some almonds to the mix. Brooke says it is also very good with bananas and I sure you brilliant readers of mine will come up with even more variations.
Brooke’s Porridge
- 1 cup Oat Bran (or 7 or 10-grain cereal)
- 2 cups water
- 1 scant cup berries (fresh or frozen)
- pinch of salt
- 1-3 tablespoons honey
Topping:
- nuts
- heavy cream (I know this ruins the healthiness of this but who cares!)
- flax seeds
- brown sugar
- fresh fruit
In a medium pot over high heat bring water, pinch of salt, and fruit to a boil. Add the oat bran and honey and stir regularly until cereal is cooked, about 2-3 minutes for oat bran- longer for 10-grain. Serve, topped with whatever you like.
The Purple Foodie says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:16 am
YAY! So happy you’re back! :D Is this Brooke’s place or your own – whatever it be, the flower arrangement is stunning. My grandmum makes a lovely porridge with honey and oats but I’m not particularly fond of hot cereal. I think you’ve just tempted me to try this.
Tim says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Thanks! That is Brooke’s beautiful place! The flowers were amazing against that brick wall. And yes, give this hot cereal a try and see what you think!
beans says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:29 am
YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! I love doof and brookie!
M says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:32 am
My friend is a cook at the Good Fork, I love that place! And I’ve tried to like hot cereal before, but maybe this one will convince me. Looks delish.
Tim says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Yeah, M, the Good Fork is amazing! Such a good place to spend an evening.
Whitney says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:38 am
So glad you are back! That looks like a bowl of breakfast deliciousness.
BethT says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Good Fork…YES! Dumplings?
Nuala says:
October 29th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Porridge looks wonderful, but I have my eye on those coffee mugs. Do you know where they’re from??
TERI REES WANG says:
October 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
A beautiful little feast for sure.
I’m guessing a splash of pomegranate juice would work well, too.
Be well.
Linda says:
October 29th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Glad you’re back and getting settled in!! As a child, we never ever ate oatmeal or any other hot cereal. But I must admit, I think I’m going to try this one!!! I’m new to your website and I’m really enjoying it!!! I found my way to you via The Countess of Nassau County.
Jennifer says:
October 29th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I am an oatmeal fan but will try this, too. Congratulations on your new home!
Tim says:
October 29th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Yes to the dumplings! They are ridiculous!
Dawn in CA says:
October 29th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
“Pink Cereal.” I love it! Welcome Back. :)
schneiderluvsdoof says:
October 29th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Sea salt and honey…good together.
Tim says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Nuala, mugs are here: http://www.cookingenthusiast.com/double-walled-insulated-coffee-cups/p/W9C40020/
heather @ chiknpastry says:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
That looks downright delicious. But I’m an oatmeal lover, so it’s not surprising that I’m all over porridge :)
linda says:
October 30th, 2009 at 4:37 am
yes to pink cereal! your photography is perfection & so eye pleasing.
next nyc trip try mast brothers artisan chocolates …the dark chocolate with sea salt…amazing.
looking forward to your home “tour”.
Lisa (dinner party) says:
October 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I’m happy you’re back! Glad you made it to Red Hook. I also love the Good Fork.
Megan Gordon says:
October 30th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Alright! Welcome back…happy you’re getting settled in.
Onepot @ onepot.wordpress.com says:
October 30th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
What! Sea salt + honey! Off to trial that in some oatmeal right now.
Josh says:
October 31st, 2009 at 8:40 am
Yum. This is right up my alley. Thanks, honey!
Smooch
Madame Fromage says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Alas, the November recipe I’ve been looking for. Thank you, this looks parfait.
Sivan Harlap says:
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
in buenos aires, but you best believe that as soon as i have home, i’m making this!
Remy says:
November 8th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
YUMMMMMM!!! that looks like heavenly deliciousness. Nice photos, Tim!
Maura says:
November 12th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Welcome back, Tim! the porridge looks delish. i use a similar method with steel cut oats. not sure it it’s still called porridge if you make it with s-co. maybe? i also let the oats soak in cold water and cinnamon over night. then it cooks up quickly in the a.m. the gateau breton looks fab too. feeling all “autumn-time-to-cook” now. happy new apt!
Frankie says:
November 12th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I usually lurk, but did want to say thank you for all the recipes. :-D My family is always thrilled with them, and you’ve always got such great flavors featured.
More important, though, congratulations on the new place! I hope you and Bryan are very, very happy in the new home. Can’t wait to see pictures!
jennifer morrison says:
November 14th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Really surprised that that lovely photo was of cereal. I’ve been trying to duplicate Oats and Honey’s oatmeal; now I’ll have to try this. Beautiful, tasty, and good for you!
I too love what we could see of Brooke’s apt. Wow! Stone walls and flowers always get to me! I feel transported back to Europe.
Miss you guys.