Orange-Clove Oatmeal (or "Montana Gold" Oatmeal)

I'm really proud of this. Like, insanely proud. But before I tell you what it is (and, more importantly, how to make it), I have to tell you a story of how I created it...

It all started with quiche. (Just go with it, okay?)

I was in western Ireland, sitting on a patio outside a cafe at Kylemore Abbey. The weather was unusually warm and sunny, and we had the rare pleasure of enjoying our lunch outside in the beautiful weather, along with a perfect view of the neo-Gothic castle across the lake. 



That was when I experienced my first quiche. Both fluffy and firm, like a scrambled egg custard of sorts. And the CRUST! Buttery, flakey, and possibly the star of the whole dish. I had always loved eggs, but this was a revelation for me.

My friend Tiffany and I made it our goal to seek out some quiche once we got back to the states, which is unfortunately a pretty difficult task in South Dakota. Finally, we spotted it on the menu at our favorite bistro in town. 

...And that's the day I experienced Montana Gold tea. Had it not been for my desperate search for quiche, I would never have been there that morning, with that particular barista who recommended it...

Me: (looking over the description of their tea selection) "The Montana Gold looks good."

Him: (In an Australian accent) "That's seriously my favorite right now. I'm obsessed with it, mate."

(...Okay, fine, he didn't actually say "mate." But he truly did have an Australian accent!)

Their quiche was great, but nothing compared to that beautiful cup of tea--deep and warm from the cinnamon and cloves, and balanced out by the brightness of the orange. It was truly the best tea I've ever tasted (and I've tasted a lot of teas!).

Months later, I got the idea out of nowhere to transform it into a bowl of oatmeal. The star ingredients are, of course, orange, cinnamon, and cloves. (Alternatively, you could also steep some actual Montana Gold tea and use it to cook your oatmeal, but I found this method extremely successful!)

Orange-Clove Oatmeal (AKA Montana Gold Oatmeal)

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 5 min

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Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1 orange
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prep your orange.
2. Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water; you could even use part orange juice!) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.
3. Cut/spoon out orange segments and add to oatmeal. (I've made this with both a whole orange and just half the orange. I highly recommend using the entire orange.) Stir.
4. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add cinnamon, ground cloves, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir.
5. If you'd like to add any extra ingredients (coconut oil, raisins, nuts, sunflower seeds), do so now.
6. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice, some orange zest, and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).

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**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account!  You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!