Pineapple Spice Porridge

 

 

 It seems these last few months have been a time of waiting.  Just as Autumn swept in, taking summer away practically overnight, and Winter tiptoed so slowly it didn’t feel like the holiday season until the holidays were past–just as these last chilly months have been a time of slowness, gray weather, and nature taking time to retract, heal, and renew–I too, felt the wintery shift to waiting for something to begin again.  It seems that with spring coming, toying with us as it will, one day sunny and bright, the next slashing rain and bitter wind, this waiting season is slowly dwindling away.

The months of planning for the wedding have only a couple more left–it is now the season of our wedding, at least.  As I look toward the future that is beginning to take its course and ponder what I’d like it to bring–I can’t help but hope for simplicity.  Simple moments that are fully lived in the present.  Simple kindnesses shown to others.  Meals prepared with love and simple comforting ingredients.  That is my goal–to take things slowly and with care.

I woke this morning needing a breakfast of this description–one that would take a little longer than the normal splash of yogurt and fruit.  A little more thought into the spices.  That’s what this porridge has brought for me today–simple ingredients and the compensatory time to ponder what the future brings.

Pineapple Spice Porridge, serves 2

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal or other similar hot breakfast cereal

dash of ground ginger

dash of ground cinnamon

dash of allspice

1 star anise

dash of pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup fresh pineapple, finely minced

plain yogurt, optional

honey, optional

 

Add spices and water to a small saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Stir in cereal, pineapple, and vanilla.  Cover and turn down to a low simmer.  Cook for 10 minutes.   Turn off heat, stir and then let sit a couple more minutes.  Remove star anise.  Spoon into a bowl with yogurt and honey, if desired.