Porridge!

Earlier this week I was listening to Radio 4 – specifically a conversation between Emma Barnet and Thomasina Myers about porridge. Not the regular Scotts Oats which come in a box with the kilt wearing chap on the front, but the sachets of quick-cook oats which have flavours added. Many years ago our children sometimes had them for breakfast, they were so convenient. All that’s needed is to cut open the packet, pour the contents into a bowl, fill the empty sachet with milk and pour it over the dry stuff. Sometimes there would be a large nugget of maple syrup, or various other flavourings which melt during the microwave cooking period. Unsurprisingly these have now been classified as Ultra Processed Foods and deemed unsuitable for children to eat (as have crumpets…). So Ms. Myers was asked how she cooks her porridge and I was taken aback at the list of ingredients..tahini paste, Greek yoghurt, cinnamon, seeds, raisins and other things I’ve forgotten. No mention of oats, water, milk, so you can imagine my reaction. The next morning, because the hot-line to the BBC had been so busy, we heard other listeners contributions and I had to smile when Granny Anna gave us the complete recipe for her “Granna” porridge. A cup of oats, a cup of milk, a cup of water and a pinch of salt. Stir, heating gently, until thick enough then add one Medjul date and a snipped apricot. A lady after my own heart. Thank you Granny Anna! 😉