This bring oatmeal to a whole new level. No torch needed.
Perfect for Christmas morning.
4 c. water
2 c. old-fashioned oats
¼ c. chopped dried apricots
¼ c. dried cherries, chopped
½ t. salt
3 Tbls. brown sugar
2 Tbls. butter, softened (to grease ramekins)
1 c. fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries (thawed)
2 Tbls. white sugar, divided among ramekins (see Note below)
½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 slices fresh ginger-root, peeled (3/4-inch diameter)
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
1 Tbls. grated orange peel
3 Tbls. maple syrup
1/8 t. ground nutmeg
Ginger Cream: In a small saucepan, combine the cream, ginger, cinnamon stick and orange peel; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat; strain and discard solids. Stir in maple syrup and nutmeg. Set aside or refrigerate if assembling later or the next day.
Oatmeal: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in oats, apricots, cherries and salt. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in brown sugar and ¼ cup ginger cream. Let stand, covered, for 2 minutes.
Grease four 10 oz. (or six 8 oz.) broiler-safe ramekins or oven-safe bowls with butter; place on a baking sheet. Divide raspberries among ramekins. Spoon oatmeal over raspberries; sprinkle evenly with sugar.
Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 7-9 minutes or until sugar is caramelized. Serve with remaining ginger cream.
Makes 4-6 servings.