It is my childrens’ third snow day.  For the last three Monday’s my kids have been kept home because of blizzards, snow and today, a coating of ice so thick my car looks like a popsicle version of itself.  I might not be able to drive until spring.

We are all deprived of precious sunlight.  A hint of grass under the snow would be a welcome sign that spring is on the way.  For now, though, it is a sea of white.

I know what you are craving right now, because I am looking for the same thing.  Too many days indoors, too little physical activity, a whole lot of boredom and we can start rummaging through the cabinets.  Anything to make us feel better.

I am nowhere near desiring a daily green smoothie or anything that resembles cold and raw. I want hearty, warm, filling.  And it has to taste good of course. While I’m at it, I might as well throw in some healthy benefits, such as great tasting spices and good for you fats, like almonds and the hemp seeds I have been wild about lately. These add interest and so much flavor.

Though it might feel difficult right now, the last thing I want to do is blow it all on winter.  In a few weeks the temperature will rise (it has to, right?) and the prospect of sundresses and bathing suits will be upon us.  Doesn’t that sound nice?

This morning, as I was stirring my oatmeal, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that, I realized that you might be a little burnt out on the plain old oatmeal that you’ve been slogging through all winter. Let’s jazz up our tired, worn out winter stand by’s with something a little bit more exciting and delicious.

I frequently tell clients to use the “add-in method” when eating good for you foods, such as oatmeal.  Start simple – plain oatmeal, unsweetened yogurt, for example – then add in flavorful spices, fruit and other condiments that add interest.  It tastes so much better.  And so good for you!

Maple Cardamon Oatmeal

Makes one serving

Ingredients

1/2 cup traditional rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (you could also use plain water if you’d like, or another milk)
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon real maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (I wrote about this delicious spice here)
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or almonds or walnuts
2 teaspoons hemp seeds (you can also use chia seeds or flax seeds)
½ cup berries, such as raspberries (you can use frozen)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the oats, almond milk, vanilla, maple syrup and spices.

2. Let simmer for 5 minutes, or until the oatmeal absorbs the almond milk. Top with nuts, seeds and fruit.

Copyright© Heather Carey, MS 2015