Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cozy (Ready-to-Print Version)

A warm blend of pumpkin, oats, and spices, sweetened with maple syrup, perfect for cozy fall mornings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned oats
02 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
03 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 2 cups milk or non-dairy alternative (almond or soy milk)
08 - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
09 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Toppings

11 - Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
12 - Dried cranberries
13 - Pumpkin seeds
14 - Dollop of Greek yogurt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup old-fashioned oats with 2 cups milk or non-dairy alternative. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, indicating the oats are softening and hydrating evenly.
02 - Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Maintain low heat and stir occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until the oatmeal thickens to a creamy consistency and flavors meld.
03 - Blend in 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal reaches the desired thickness and sweetness. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the oatmeal to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This resting step permits complete absorption of liquid and thickens the texture for a creamier finish while enhancing the spice aromatics.
05 - Spoon into serving bowls and customize with toppings such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to introduce texture and flavor contrast.
06 - Consume immediately while warm to experience the full depth of spiced pumpkin flavors and comforting texture.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking. For extra fiber and thickness, stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed near the end of cooking.
02 - To enhance spice complexity, add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom along with the other spices.