Recipe: Black Forest Oatmeal (Vegan)

 

Oatmeal is such a great canvas for so many flavors. Growing up, I thought I didn't like cherries. I think a lot of us think that, because we've only been given maraschino cherries, and those are hard to like right away. Or maybe we don't like dealing with the pits. I don't know. All I know is that I had to be an adult before I appreciated cherries, and now I look forward to finding them available fresh every year for that short window of time they appear.

This oatmeal is inspired by black forest cake, though of course it's still oatmeal. I read a lot of not-quite-right recipes before I decided to just wing it on my own. You could probably use frozen cherries, but if you do, I would recommend adding them before you add the oatmeal and letting it come up to a boil again before putting in the oats.

Black Forest Oatmeal
Serves: 1

1 cup soy milk, or non-dairy milk of choice
1 dash salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2-3 teaspoons liquid sweetener of your choice (I used Bee Free Honee)
1/4 cup cherries, halved and pitted, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 small carton (about 1/4 cup) non-dairy vanilla flavored yogurt

Whisk soy milk, salt, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and liquid sweetener together in a small saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Add cherries and oats and cook, stirring, for about one minute until thickened a bit. Stir in vanilla.

Transfer your oatmeal to a bowl and top with yogurt and additional cherries. Serve.