Porridge with poached apricots, honey & creme fraiche

"in omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro" 

Translation: Everywhere I have searched for peace and nowhere found it, except in a corner with a book

The pleasure of a good book is immeasurable to me. Getting lost within its pages whilst losing all concept of time is truly transporting and blissful. Most of my leisure time is spent exploring worlds within paper pages and black ink. Sometimes, however, I prefer something more visually tantalising such as a film or my favourite type of television program, a cooking show.

I had the serendipity of stumbling unto an episode of The Delicious Miss Dahl and became compeltely besotted with her adorable charm and quirky cooking. I particularly adored when she would read a quote from a book whilst sampling the products of her labour. I immediately asked my husband to obtain the other episodes and was crestfallen to learn that it had been prematurely cancelled and only a handful of episodes were made. This sadness was brief however, when I learned she had also penned a cookbook. A hasty trip to the library and I was back home, book in hand and a smile upon my face.

Needless to say her cookbook was a wonderful read, and I do mean read, as she not only spoke of her life but each seasonal recipe contained a snippet of her thoughts or humorous suggestions, such as "If its a rowdy sort of breakfast, you could also add some rum." Her words, and the gorgeous photography, were truly a delight.

Porridge with poached apricots & creme fraiche
adapted from Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights by Sophie Dahl
serves 2

1 cup oats
2 cups milk
1/2cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
handful of apricots
1 cinnamon stick
3tbs creme fraiche
2tbs honey

Combine oats, water and milk over low-medium heat and cook for 10mins or until oats are soft.
Meanwhile, simmer apricots in orange juice with cinnamon stick in a small saucepan for 5mins or until plump.
Pour porridge into two bowls, top with apricots, a dollop of creme fraiche and a drizzle of honey.

ease: 4.5/5.
prep time: 5mins.
cooking time: 10mins.
total: 15mins.

taste: 3.5/5. Too luxurious for me, but not for my other half.

Whilst I found the luscious creme fraiche and sweet, syrupy apricots too heavy to eat first thing in the morning, R thoroughly enjoyed it. Flavour-wise, the creamy oats pair wonderfully with the slightly tart but sweetly rounded plump apricots, hint of spicy cinnamon and rich, tangy creme fraiche.

would I make it again: No - it was all a bit too heavy for me, but for those who like to indulge, dig in.