Pear Crisp Oatmeal

Remember how last Friday I was going on and on (in an almost obnoxious rubbing it in your face, kinda way), about how the weather here went from a chilly 32-38 degrees (that is really chilly by Texas standards) to a mild, pleasant and almost spring like day in the 70’s.

Well it was like Mother Nature felt my happiness and wanted to remind me that it was still winter and immediately the next day came cold and dreariness!

And with that cold and dreary weather, I couldn’t think of more comforting way to start the day than with a hearty bowl of oatmeal!

I have made several different oatmeal recipes over the years based on fruit pies or crisps; from Apple Pie Oatmeal to Peach Crisp Oatmeal and even a Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal. Today I have another oatmeal recipe based on a comforting fruit dessert, pear crisp.

This is a hearty and satisfying way to start your morning, especially on a cold winter’s day. This oatmeal is naturally sweetened with fresh pears, honey and plump golden raisins. It is then complemented with a hint of cinnamon spice and made smooth and creamy by being cooked in milk. Oh and then there is that classic crumb topping that is essential for every fruit crisp… full of walnuts, butter, honey and more rolled oats.

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Pear Crisp Oatmeal 
By Heather of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com 
Printable Version 
Prep Time: 5-8 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 1

Oatmeal:
2-3 teaspoons butter
1 medium pear, cored and chopped
2-3 teaspoons honey
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons golden raisins
¼ teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup skim milk
¾ cup water
¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats

Crumb Topping:
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon rolled oats
Dash of cinnamon
½ tablespoon honey
½ tablespoon melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Melt butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Add pears and cook for 1 minute. Stir in honey, cinnamon and raisins and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Stir in vanilla, milk, water and rolled oats. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until liquid is mostly absorbed and oats are tender.

For crumb topping, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir together.

Serve cooked oatmeal topped with crumb topping and additional milk if desired.