Pear and Oatmeal Treat

: Pears on a Blue Plate

Great food can be simple, like these pears on a plate. The important thing is to appreciate the scent, shape, and beautiful colors of pears. I like to eat pears plain, just like the pears in this drawing. But here’s another idea for a simple snack with pears and oatmeal. Dice up a pear and put it in a microwave-safe bowl (like a cereal bowl). Add some ginger (about 1/4 tsp), about 2 tsp sweetener (sugar or substitute), a pat of butter, and about 1/3 to 1/2 cup oatmeal. (No need to add liquid: the oatmeal will cook in the pear juices). Put this in the microwave for about 45 seconds on high. If you can’t smell the fragrance of the pears and the ginger, give it another few seconds in the microwave. The consistency of the oatmeal will be more like a fruit crisp than a bowl of cereal. It’s a nice treat for a fall afternoon. This is for one person, but you can make more if you want to share. And you can add apples or cherries or whatever else you like.