Chai Oatmeal

This dish combines two of my very favorite breakfast foods: Chai Tea and Oatmeal. 

Because I drink Chai tea only on the very rare occasion that I have the time to make it and drink it in peace, to me, Chai means peace, quiet, serenity. It is calming and luxurious. 

Chai Oatmeal, for 1

1/2 cup water
1 cup milk (I use skim)
1 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and sliced thin
5 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
4 black peppercorns
2/3 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon maple syrup, agave, or honey (optional)

Combine the water, milk, ginger and spices in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over a medium flame and then immediately remove from the heat. Cover the saucepan and let the milk sit for about 1/2 hour.

After the milk has been steeping for about 1/2 hour, drain it, discarding the ginger and spices and putting the flavored milk back in the saucepan.

Add the oatmeal to the saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the oatmeal is as soft as you like it.

Sweeten, if desired. Serve hot.