Earl Grey Poached Pear Porridge

A warming bowl of comfort to greet you on a frosty morning I topped mine with plum compote, a sprinkle of granola and single cream. The pears are citrusy and fragrant. Poach them until they're just tender for a perfect bite.

Earl grey poached pears:
100g caster sugar
400g boiling water
1 earl grey tea bag
1/2 lemon zest, peeled
1 cinnamon stick
5 cardamom pods
3 pears, peeled/halved/cored

Pour the boiling water over the tea bag and leave to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and pour the tea into a saucepan. Add in the remaining ingredients, apart from the pears, and bring to the boil. Take the pan off the heat and lay the pears in the syrup, cut side down. Cover with a paper cartouche. Simmer for 10-15 mins until the pears are soft but still holding shape. Remove from the heat and leave one side until needed.

Porridge: makes one large serving
1/2 cup porridge oats
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup milk
Pinch of salt
Dash of ground cinnamon

While the pears are poaching, you can make the porridge. Stir all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened and creamy while stirring often. Serve immediately with the poached pears, compote, a sprinkle of nuts/granola and single cream.