Chocolate Steel-cut Oats and Baked Pear

with a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup and granola for crunch. A perfectly, cosy and indulgent bowl of oats.

COSY

I really love a hot bowl of steel-cut oats this time of the year. Better yet is making it a chocolate flavoured oats by adding cacao powder and serving it with oven-baked soft, sweet pears.

It is a very comforting breakfast, especially when sitting under a blanket on our couch, looking out at the autumn coloured trees. Even though I'm really not a fan of the shorter days, I do really love this time of the year.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

Slowly Christmas Window displays are popping up everywhere in Bath. The Christmas lights in the streets are up, ready to be switched on, and in only a few days time the annual Bath Christmas Market will be starting. The smell of roasted nuts, gluhwein and a mix of fragrances coming from the food stalls. Comfy jumpers, long coats and perhaps already a scarf or soft gloves. Bath is even more magical and picturesque this time of year.

The only thing that would make it even better is if there the Christmas Market had a few more Vegan food stalls or just a few more vegan options available. Georgia and Matt from Morso Vegan, if you are ready this.... *hint hint* .

Chocolate Steel-cut Oats recipe with pears

TO MAKE THIS COSY BREAKFAST YOU WILL NEED

Steel-cut oats
Almond milk and/or water
Unsweetened Cacao Powder, preferably organic
a pinch of sea salt, to balance the flavours
Soft ripe pears
Maple Syrup or liquid sweetener of your choice
Chocolate granola (preferably homemade)... I have many granola recipes on my blog for you.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Chocolate protein powder
Maca powder
If you want to keep it fruit-sweetened only you can add mashed banana to the oats or add a few chopped dates or a handful of fresh blueberries.
Substitute the granola with roasted hazelnuts or almonds
Other liquid sweetener options could be honey (if using) or agave syrup.

Chocolate Steel-cut Oats and Baked Pear and maple syrup

THE PEARS

Pears are in still season and at their best.

Using pears that are a bit softer in texture will probably be best to use, as they will need less time in the oven than a firm pear. Also, depending on the natural sweetness of the pears you might not need to add maple syrup, although it is a delicious combination.

STEELCUT OATS

Steel-cut oats is a less refined version of old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cook oats. It has a coarser texture, which I love, but it does require a longer cooking time.

Choose a certified gluten-free oats if required.

If you want to give the oats a nutty flavour you can toast the oat groats in a pan before cooking.

Depending on the consistency of the oats you like, you might have to adjust the amount of liquid you are adding. Some prefer a thicker texture, whereas others perhaps like a runnier consistency.

Serves: 2

Time: about 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE OATS

1/2 cup steel-cut oats
1 cup water
1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
a pinch of sea salt
1 heaped tbsp cacao powder

FOR THE PEARS

2 ripe pears

TO SERVE

Maple syrup
Homemade Chocolate Granola
Ground Cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180C.
In a large saucepan or pot combine the water and almond milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the oats and salt and reduce the heat to medium low. Adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook with a lid ajar, but stir occasionally to prevent the oats burning. Cook for about 20 - 25 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
In the meantime, slice the pears in half, lengthways. Using a teaspoon scoop out the core and stem. Place the pears cut-side down in a deep oven-proof dish. If the pears are firm add a tablespoon water before covering the dish with foil.
Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the pears are soft enough to eat with a spoon. Remove from the oven. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on the firmness of the pears.
Back to the oats: For the last few minutes of its cooking time add the cacao powder and still until well combined. Depending on the consistency you want you might like to add more almond milk or water.
Once the oats is cooked to your liking and the pears are soft you are ready to serve.
Spoon the oats into the bowls. Add two pear halves to each bowl. Drizzle with maple syrup, a dusting of cinnamon and a bit of granola. Enjoy!