Grape and Orange Marmalade Oatmeal

I must share a story with you.

This is my last day of school as a first-year teacher. On one of the days earlier this week, a student (whom I love, of course) brought goodies for the teachers. My colleague came into our workroom holding a bag of cookies and encouraged me to check out my mailbox because the student had left treats for each of us, along with personalized drawings for gift tags. Like every time a student brings gifts, I felt the same mixed feelings: flattered, but disappointed. Nine times out of ten, I end up giving away the non-vegan food item to a coworker (but appreciate the thought nevertheless).

I hustled to my mailbox anyway, eager to see the drawing this student left me. What did I find?

This:

Top: Peanut butter cookies
Bottom:  Tofu and non-dairy chocolate pie

I immediately started choking up. My own parents don't even make concessions like that for me! I've said it many times before: the most meaningful thing anyone can do for me is make me feel included despite my veganism. I know how awkward and inconvenient my diet can be to non-vegans, and I am always blown away by the thoughtfulness and hospitality some people can show. Wow. <3

Anyway...

This oatmeal is super simple and easy. I love orange marmalade because it lends itself well to a variety of dishes (I like to use it on tempeh for a faux orange chicken!), so I always have some around. The oatmeal itself is minimally flavored because it takes most of its "pow" from the marmalade at the end. Enjoy!

And HAPPY SUMMER VACATION to me!

Grape & Orange Marmalade Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 2 min

Cook Time: 5 min

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Ingredients (serves 1)

• 3/4 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 10-15 grapes, halved
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• orange marmalade

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use 1/2 c almond milk and 1/4 c water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you'd like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
2. Add grapes immediately.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract and salt. Stir.
4. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Swirl in orange marmalade. Add a splash of your milk of choice and any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.). I thought almond butter paired well with it, too.

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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!