Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

A bowl of warmth designed to make you actually enjoy waking up early.

Ingredients

• Porridge Oats: 50g (Use rolled oats, never the "instant" dust!).
• Milk of Choice: 300ml (Whole milk for the richest result, or oat milk for a double-oat experience).
• The Apple: 1 large, crisp apple (Bramley for tartness or Gala for sweetness).
• Cinnamon: 1 tsp of the good stuff.
• The Sweetener: 1 tbsp maple syrup or dark honey.
  
  

Instructions

Most people just boil the apple with the oats. Don't do that. We want texture and caramelisation.

The Apple Base: Core and chop half the apple into small cubes, and grate the other half. In a small pan, sauté the cubed apples with a knob of butter and a dash of cinnamon until they are golden and slightly soft. Set these aside for the topping.

The Creamy Oats: In your main saucepan, combine the oats, milk, the grated apple, and that vital pinch of salt.

Chef’s Note: The grated apple melts into the porridge, naturally sweetening every single bite from the inside out.

The Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon—or a Spurtle if you want to be truly Scottish—until it's thick and creamy. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

The Spicing: Stir in the remaining cinnamon and half of your syrup right at the end to keep the flavours bright.

Pour the porridge into a shallow ceramic bowl.

Arrange your caramelised apple cubes in a neat pile in the centre.

Add a "crown" of toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunch that contrasts the creamy oats.

Finish with a final, dramatic drizzle of syrup and a tiny dusting of cinnamon.

Chef’s Tips 

The Texture: If it’s too thick, add a splash of boiling water at the end to "loosen" it up to a velvet consistency.

The "Zing": A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the apples while sautéing keeps them from browning and cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

1. The Reliable Scottish Standard: Hamlyns of Scotland

The Vibe: This is the "Goldilocks" of oats—not too rough, not too soft. They’ve been milling in Scotland since the 1800s.

What to look for: The red bag labelled "Scottish Porridge Oats."

Where to buy: You’ll find these in literally every major supermarket in Glasgow—Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, or Asda. They are usually on the middle or bottom shelves.

2. The Artisan & Ethical Choice: Locavore (Organic Scottish Oats)

Where to buy: Head to Locavore on Victoria Road (Southside) or Dumbarton Road (West End). You can even buy them from the "refill" dispensers—just bring your own glass jar for that perfect rustic photo op!

3. The "Creamy" Luxury: Flahavan’s

The Vibe: Technically Irish, but widely loved in Glasgow. They use a unique steaming process that makes the porridge incredibly creamy without needing as much milk.

Where to buy: Most Waitrose branches (like the one on Byres Road) or larger Sainsbury’s stores.

4. The Budget Hero: Lidl or Aldi (Scottish Oats)

The Vibe: Honestly? Don't look down on them. Their "Specially Selected" or standard Scottish oats are often high quality and cost pennies.

Where to buy: Any Lidl or Aldi across the city.