Susan’s Breakfast Oatmeal

My wife Susan loves her morning oatmeal and sometimes will enjoy it with a poached egg on top that when broken melts into the oatmeal giving it a lovely richness. Using my egg ring molds, I started experimenting first with toasting rounds of oatmeal and adding a poached egg on top. Then inspiration struck, why not make an indentation for the egg and cover it with a lid of oatmeal. Simply altering the form into a cylinder adds a interesting presentation and breaking into the egg inside yields a golden surprise. Toasting the oatmeal in the pan creates a wonderful contrast of textures adding an interesting crunchy element. I can also brulee the sugar with a torch on the top to add more texture and some sweetness or just serve with some maple syrup. Add some berries for a garnish. This dish is only possible if the oatmeal is stiff enough; if the oatmeal is too moist it will not hold its shape when unmolded. This is a great example how form can create a whole new dish that is fun and different.

Note: I had some suggestions saying the egg could be replaced with diced fruit, yogurt, jam or whatever you can think of to make it your own!

 Ingredients:

 3/4 Cup Steel-cut precooked Oatmeal (1/2 Cup for base,1/4 Cup for lid)

 1 Medium Egg

 1 Tbsp. of your favorite Shredded cheese

 Butter

 Salt and pepper for seasoning

 Maple Syrup

 Optional - Berries for garnish

 Equipment:

 2 Egg Rings

 ½ Cup metal measuring cup

 Preheat a ten inch non-stick pan on medium heat Butter both egg rings and put in pan and add small pat of butter in each ring.

 Place 1/2 cup of oatmeal in first ring and using measuring cup press down to create an indentation with sides. We want a big enough indentation to allow the egg to fit.

 Add remaining oatmeal (1/4 cup) to other ring and tamp down with measuring cup to create a flat disk.

 Add a small amount of grated cheese onto the oatmeal. Cook for ten minutes.

 Break an egg into the indentation and season with salt and pepper. Add a small amount grated cheese to top.

 Add to the pan a small amount of water (3-4 tablespoons) and cover with lid and cook for 3 minutes or until egg is desired doneness. Depending on the size of the egg, 3 minutes for a soft center to 5 minutes for a hard yolk.

 To assemble unmold each side and invert side without egg onto side with egg to make a cylinder and plate. Top with brown sugar, maple syrup or your favorite fruit.

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