Oatmeal for Molly

Sometimes plans change.

Last Friday, a mechanical error on a flight from Washington, combined with delay after delay until cancellation, left me visitor-less for the weekend.

So bummed.

And yet, it's just another example of needing to take those darn sour lemons and turn them into something more palatable.

Like warm oatmeal.

Not lemon oatmeal, that was a metaphor- the whole lemon thing. You got that right?  Aaanyway...

We're makin' oatmeal. And the reason we're making it is because sometimes, when life does things you just don't understand, it's better to just get it out and make something warm for your belly.

This is where the oatmeal comes in.

This oatmeal was created by my good friend's mom while we were nursing wine bellies back to health after a night of celebration on Washington's western coast. We watched ships go by through tall glass windows on a stormy morning, and the whole house smelled like coffee, toast, and sand. We ate this oatmeal with love in our hearts for family, food, and friendships.

Instant love.

I hope this oatmeal makes you feel warm, cozy, and full of love- no matter where you are.

Cranberry Oatmeal with Ginger and Walnuts

3/4 cup quick oats (or do like I do and pulse whole oats in a blender until chopped)

1/2 tsp ground ginger

2 Tbl. chopped walnuts or pecans

2 Tbl. dried cranberries

1 1/2 Tbl. pure maple syrup or brown sugar

pinch of salt

  Boil water in a tea kettle or stovetop. Combine the oats, ginger, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the chopped walnuts and cranberries. Pour the boiling water over the oatmeal and let it sit for about a minute. The amount of water you use is up to you, I prefer a thicker oatmeal, but you can certainly thin it out with more water or almond milk as you like. Stir with a spoon until oats are soft, then add the sweetener to taste.