There is oatmeal and then there is Haitian Oatmeal. The smooth, creamy texture and unique flavor of Haitian oatmeal is more like vanilla pudding than a hot breakfast cereal. It was love at first bite when I was served this special treat on one of my visits to Haiti. So I made a deal with the cooks. I taught them to make bread; they taught me to make Haitian Oatmeal. Enjoy!
Makes 3-4 servings
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- 4 Tablespoons honey granules
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 star anise, optional*
- Butter, optional
In a large blender, blend oats and water for about 2 minutes.
Place saucepan on medium heat and allow to get hot. Pour blended oats in to hot pot stirring constantly. Stir in honey granules, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, almond extract and milk. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes and until desired thickness. Stir in butter.
Serve immediately with fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy.
*Some recipes call for star anise. If you want to use star anise. Heat it on low heat in the milk for about 15 minutes. Strain before adding the milk to the above mixture. May also use cinnamon sticks in place of ground cinnamon and heat with the milk.