Sparkle Kitchen: Backyard Porridge
In the At Home with Martin & Sylvia story "Spring Sillies Day," Momma serves the children “Backyard Porridge” on their much loved Spring Sillies Day.
Brother and sister looked cautiously into the bowl, wondering if there were really bugs and grubs mixed in. They poked at the porridge, and saw what did indeed look like worms.
“What’s wrong?” asked Momma.
“Is that a real worm in the porridge?’ asked Martin.
“Hmmm,” said Momma, looking into his bowl, “Lets see.” Then she took her spoon, scooped up the worm and popped it into her mouth. “Mmmmm – delicious!”
Brother and sister shrieked at the sight!
But Daddy showed them what the bugs and grubs were really made out of: thinly sliced dried apricots and papaya and chopped walnuts. After a good laugh, everyone dug into their “Backyard Porridge,” agreeing that bugs and grubs tasted delicious.
You don’t have to wait until next April 1 to have some morning silliness. Create your own Spring Sillies Day and serve up a little of the “bugs & grubs” — Martin-and-Sylvia style. Here’s how:
Backyard Porridge
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1 pinch of salt
- ⅛ cup dried papaya, thinly sliced
- ⅛ cup dried apricots, thinly sliced
- ⅛ cup dried date pieces (in oat flour)
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- butter or flax oil to taste
- maple syrup, agave or honey to taste
Directions:
Bring oats, water and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and allow to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through.
In the last five minutes of cooking, stir in the papaya, apricots and walnuts. Allow to cook until soft.
Spoon into bowls and serve with butter or flax oil, as well as something to add a little extra sweetness: maple syrup, coconut sugar or honey.
Serve your family this “Backyard Porridge” complete with nutritious “bugs and grubs”, and watch them enjoy!
(Here’s what happened in our house:)
Delicious!
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About the Author
Lisabeth Sewell
Lisabeth Sewell has worn many hats at Sparkle over the years, from Sparkle Kitchen Blogger to Editorial Director to Doer of All Odd Jobs. Her primary role is as CEO.
