Cocoa oats with candied orange and pistachio

I remember when living with friends and I implemented eating our meals on Wednesdays. They enjoyed the company, meals and environment that it became a daily thing for the mornings. To this day, we recall our fond memories of the times of eating our meals at the breakfast.

What if we allow our minds to see a new perspective. What if we view eating our meals at the table as a moment to unwind, let our mind not be preoccupied with our phones, honour and nourish our bodies, be thankful for the ingredients, and if people promote socialisation and be genuine and present in conversations?

I believe that everyone has the opportunity to create this environment. You can even slowly start once a week. Without being intentional, it will become challenging to adopt this habit. What will this look like for you? Will it mean waking up 15 minutes earlier, to decide what you would like to eat, ensuring that the kitchen is tidy the day before, to prepare a quick and easy meal? This will be something that we all need to take the time to think about. Again, you don’t need to create exotic, fancy meals. Even simple and humble have the power to create lovely memories and times of relaxation at the table in an environment that you are comfortable with.

Now onto the recipe.

I had some cocoa powder that was bought recently when experimenting with some baking which I don’t often do. I wanted to find some use for using it while it was still fresh. Well, chocolate goes well with orange and I usually see oranges paired with pistachio and thought I would give this a try which the flavours combine well, not competing with each other. The candied orange provides that sweetness along with the slightly roasted pistachio and the creaminess from the milk. The candle was lit on the table and it was a quiet cloudy morning. With the gala’s chirping and watching the lake, it was a peaceful moment to unwind from my phone, enjoy the meal that was prepared and watch nature reminding me of the simple moments that rejuvenate our souls and minds giving me a sense of calm and genuine gratitude.

Ingredients:

60g traditional rolled oats

3/4 – 1cup of milk of your choice

Sweetener of your choice

Fruit and nuts of your choice: ( I used the candied orange from Bulk foods, pistachio and pumpkin seeds)

Chia seeds (optional)

Method

1.Combine oats, milk and cocoa powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil. Cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes or until oats are soft and creamy.

2.Slightly roast the nuts on a pan on medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, until fragrant and golden

3.Top with fruit and nuts and serve.