Steel-Cut Oats with Cinnamon Pears

Ah, breakfast.To be honest breakfast has always been pretty low on my list of favourite meals. I usually have unorthodox desires (read non-breakfast desires) that I don’t always have the time to fulfill in the morning when I’m rushing to get ready for the day ahead. I went through a Japanese-inspired phase a couple weeks ago that consisted of a bow of white rice topped with toasted sesame seeds, a nori sprinkling, sliced avocado and a drizzle of sesame oil. In a bit of a Goldilocks fashion, I seem to have trouble finding my perfect breakfast option — the one that will keep me satisfied for the better part of the morning. Because, let’s be honest. when you work in a Test Kitchen, the last thing you want is to be overly hungry when you first walk into the office!

Steel-cut oats have solved my breakfast dilemma – for now! These golden pearls have a wonderful bite and texture, and, although they take a little while to cook, they really make a wonderful breakfast option that will keep you full for hours.

This version is sweetened using seasonal pears tossed in brown butter and cinnamon and topped with toasted almonds and a drizzle of flavourful honey. I can’t think of a better way to start the day at this time of year.

Steel-Cut Oats with Cinnamon Pears
Serves 2

1/2 cup steel-cut oats
1 tbsp butter
1 Bartlett pear, sliced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp honey
1/4 cup toasted almonds, crushed

Cook steel-cut oats according to package instructions. In the meantime, melt butter in saucepan on medium heat. Once butter starts to bubble, add pear slices and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in honey.

Divide cooked oats between two ramekin or plates. Top with pears and sprinkle with almonds.

Asiya @ Chocolate and Chillies

November 2, 2012 at 9:28 pm (12 years ago)

Looks delicious! I usually make steel cut oats with apples but pears is a great change up…I agree..they take too long to cook which is why I don’t make them as often as I would like.

Chocolate Shavings

November 3, 2012 at 10:07 am (12 years ago)

Asiya @ Chocolate and Chillies: It’s worth the wait though! I usually make them on the weekend but wish I had time to whip them before work on weekdays!

sweet road

November 3, 2012 at 10:12 am (12 years ago)

This sounds like an amazing combination of ingredients. I love steel cut oats as well – There’s just something about having to cook them longer that brings out so much more flavor and texture.

November 3, 2012 at 10:18 am (12 years ago)

sweet road: I agree – and things tend to taste that much better when you have to wait a little for them!

Cara's Healthy Cravings

November 3, 2012 at 12:33 pm (12 years ago)

Nothing beats a steaming bowl of oats on a chilly morning! If you have some forethought, you could soak the oats the night before so you could enjoy them as a weekday breakfast.

November 3, 2012 at 1:57 pm (12 years ago)

Cara’s Healthy Cravings: Great idea!

November 8, 2012 at 6:17 am (12 years ago)

scrambledhendruit: it’s definitely a perfect food to fight colder days!

kale

November 16, 2012 at 9:00 pm (12 years ago)

stunning photo! it’s truly lovely with the pears.

Coco Bean

January 20, 2013 at 11:09 pm (12 years ago)

I have steel cut oats… I have pears… I’m totally making this.

January 24, 2013 at 8:07 pm (12 years ago)

Omg Ian and I just made this…. It was so delicious!!!Ian kept taking a bite then turning to me with his mouth full to tell me how good it was. He wants to make it with apples next.