Pear Sauce Oatmeal

Yep, I gave pears another chance. For me, so much of the problem was the texture--so gritty and watery! I thought I would never make another oatmeal with them again, but when I thought of making a pear sauce, I knew I had to give it a shot.

Cranberry Pear Oatmeal

For all the pear lovers out there, you'll appreciate this recipe. As you all know, pears are one of my least favorite fruits. Thanks to the cranberries, I was able to enjoy this oatmeal anyway. I noticed from Foodgawker that pears and cranberries are a common food combination, but I had never experienced it before, and I found the flavor duo to be quite unique and fun.

It's amazing how my opinion of cranberries has changed in the past month and a half. When I first bought the jar of cranberry sauce early in November to use as a topping for fall-themed recipes, I was pretty indifferent to it. It was significantly better than the cranberry sauce I've had in the past, but still nothing special.

Then I bought the fresh cranberries for a few recipe ideas that never actually ended up happening until this week, but I've been using them for other purposes (sauteed with brussels sprouts!), and I'm slowly falling in love.  

Salted Chocolate Pear Oatmeal

I've learned the secret. If you ever make oatmeal that doesn't turn out as spectacular as you'd hoped, just add SALT. Salt that sucker! Mix in salt, and sprinkle some more on top!

Much to my grief last week, I discovered that chocolate and pear just wasn't doing anything for me. To be honest, I was just super annoyed at the pears. I'm so over pears! They are potentially my least favorite fruit. I'm done with them.

But then I salted it, and everything changed.

Chocolate Pear Upside-Down Cake Baked Oatmeal

I hate when my recipes have long names...oh well!

This is another oatmeal idea that appears to have a double identity; it can't decide whether it's breakfast or dessert! I actually baked this on a Sunday afternoon, and then let it wait for me in the fridge until Monday morning. It was so painful having to wait that long!

Sauteed Pear Oatmeal

I've gone pear crazy. The strange thing is, I don't even LIKE pears that much! I won't go into that...I've explained it before. However, I've recently discovered that their relatively mild flavor and texture lends well to unique oatmeal recipes.

For this particular recipe, it's okay for your pears to be slightly under-ripe. If it's too ripe/soft, it may turn to mush when you saute it. If that's what you WANT, then go for it. :)

Pear & Almond Baked Oatmeal

Like a pear and almond tart...

Fluffy...flavorful...sweet...

Loaded Banana Oatmeal

Do you ever have trouble deciding which kind of oatmeal to make in the morning because you kind of just want everything??

If so, this one's for YOU. It's like an Everything Bagel, without the garlic.

Normally, when we hear the word "loaded," we think of heart attacks like loaded chili or loaded baked potatoes, which usually feature bacon, sour cream, and junk food like "Funyuns." No, thanks.

THIS loaded concoction can be as healthy (or unhealthy) as you like. For a healthier route, look for toppings like fresh fruit, dried fruit, peanut butter, puffed rice, any type of yogurt, nuts, raw chia or hemp seed, banana butter, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, granola, or more sliced banana. You could also add maple syrup or honey on top.

Chai and Pear Oatmeal

Pears have never really been my thing. To me, they are just a little too similar to apples, but without the satisfying crunch. However, I find that pears work beautifully in oatmeal, so I buy some occasionally to switch up my routine.

The first time I tried pears in oatmeal, I simply spiced it with vanilla, but I found the result a little dull. Pear has a pretty neutral flavor, so I've learned to play around with stronger flavors in the oatmeal to dress up the pear a little bit. Cue: chai tea!