Where does one find figs in April? Since trying them back in August, I haven’t been able to get them off my mind.
Answer: Whole Foods.
As the title implies, this oatmeal could be created using a variety of fruits. Maple and “bacon” are the key ingredients of this recipe, but I chose to make mine “with figs.” You could make yours “with apple” or “with plum.” Go for it. Be you. 😉
I liked figs because maple and bacon are already powerful flavors. Figs have a more subtle taste, so the ingredients wouldn’t fight too much. Plus, they’re special and exotic!
Maple-Bacon Oatmeal with Figs
What you'll need:
- 2 strips veggie or tempeh bacon, broken into 1-inch pieces (I used Tofurkey tempeh bacon)
- 3/4 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
- pinch of salt
- 4 black figs
How to make it:
- Prepare bacon according to directions on the package and set aside.
- Bring milk (I use 1/2 c almond milk and 1/4 c water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you'd like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now. I used flax.)
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt. Stir.
- Cut two of the figs into eighths and stir into oatmeal. Take about a third of your bacon pieces and stir into oatmeal.
- Transfer to a bowl. Top with remaining figs (cut into fourths or eighths) and bacon pieces. Drizzle with maple syrup and add a splash of your milk of choice, along with any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).
