Custard Oatmeal

This is the breakfast that transforms a humble bowl of oats into something you'll actually crave—creamy, luxurious, and secretly simple to pull off.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons custard powder (or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, toasted nuts, cinnamon

Method:

1. Whisk the custard powder with 3 tablespoons cold milk until smooth—no lumps allowed.
2. Bring the remaining milk and water to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan.
3. Stir in the oats and salt, cooking for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the custard mixture slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in honey and vanilla.
6. Divide between bowls and top with your favorite mix-ins.

Full recipe at The Kitchn →

Chef's tip: Don't skip whisking the custard powder separately first—it's the whole secret to silky smoothness instead of grainy lumps.