Earl Grey Oatmeal

Earl Grey is hard to describe, being both warm and citrusy, and in no way is it dull or grey, as the name may suggest. Never overbearing, the flavors are polite and almost shy, which make them a lovely host to the brighter flavors of blueberries and orange zest, as we have here. They break the grey, allowing the gentleman in Earl Grey tea to shine.

Because infusing oatmeal wasn’t enough, I had to try out this Homemade Chamomile Syrup; basically, a swoon-in-a-bottle, if there ever was one. This little gem of a creation can be drizzled over everything from pancakes to coffee, adding a summery flair and turning ordinary recipes into something a bit more bon vivant. It will make you look something like a syrup connoisseur, when all you really did was boil some water. It contains only four ingredients, and can be described as nothing other than simply lovely. Chamomile brings a defining note to whatever you use it in, so pour the leftovers as you would honey: Oatmeal, pancakes, coffee, tea, libations, fruit, cookies, granola, by the spoonful…

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar, or dry soluble sweetener
• Pinch of salt
• About 3/4 cup, more or less, dried organic chamomile, or 2-3 chamomile tea bags (use more or less to preferred strength)
• ½ cup oats
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup prepared Earl Grey tea, steeped to your preferred strength
• ½ cup milk of choice, or water
• ¼ tsp. vanilla
• ¼ tsp. orange or lemon zest, plus more to top
• 1 tbsp. honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
• Handful of blueberries, or berries of your choice
• Chamomile syrup to top (optional)

Earl Grey Oatmeal with Blueberries
Directions:

1. Bring the oats, salt, and liquids to a boil on the stove.
2. Cook and stir until the oats begin absorbing the liquid, and start to thicken.
3. Leave to thicken for about 2 minutes, or until the oatmeal is plump and fragrant from the tea.
4. Stir in the vanilla, zest, and sweetener.
5. When the desired consistency is reached, add in about half the blueberries so that they warm up and begin to give off color.
6. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl or dish, and add in the rest of the berries.
7. Drizzle with the syrup, top with extra zest, and enjoy.

Chamomile Syrup
Directions:

1. Boil the water and salt in a small pot over high heat.
2. Once the water is bubbling rapidly, add in the sugar and stir until it dissolves.
3. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, until the mixture has thickened a bit on your spoon.
4. Turn off the heat.
5. Add the chamomile, and let steep, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the desired strength is reached.
6. Give it a stir every few minutes, upsetting the flowers.
7. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or mesh, pressing the liquid from the flowers down with the back of a spoon.
8. Best served warm.
9. Store refrigerated, in an airtight container or jar for about one week.