Warm, tasty and oh-so comforting, this nourishing poached pears and spiced creamy oats bowl is perfect for breakfast on a cold day.

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 1 hour 15 min

INGREDIENTS
For the poached pears
3 Earl Grey tea bags
5½ cups water
¾ cup caster sugar
1 lemon peel
2 cm ginger, peeled
6 pears, peeled
For the creamy oats
2½ cups milk of choice
1 cup rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp honey
To serve
2 cups plain yoghurt

METHOD
For the poached pears
1. Place the teabags in a pot along with the water and the sugar. Gently bring the water to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the teabags and add the lemon peel and ginger.
2. With the liquid simmering, add the pears and poach for 25–30 minutes, until just soft.
3. Remove the pears from the liquid and set aside. Bring the remaining liquid up to a boil and simmer until syrupy, about 20 minutes.
4. Return the pears to the liquid to coat in the syrup.
For the creamy oats
1. Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly stir through the oats. Turn the heat down to low and stir until soft, about 5–10 minutes.
2. Once the oats are soft and creamy, stir through the spices and honey.
To serve
1. Spoon a generous serving of oats into a bowl. Top with a dollop of yoghurt and arrange a poached pear over the top. Drizzle over extra syrup and serve warm.

Recipe & styling: Elizabeth Mackenzie
Photography: Sean Dollery // HMimages.co.za

Is the sweet breakfast life not for you? Don’t stress! We have these delicious savoury oats with eggs and paprika-yoghurt for you to enjoy instead.