Delicious Carrot Cake Porridge

On these cold winter mornings, there's nothing better than waking up to a warm, filling breakfast like porridge to get you started for the day. I love experimenting with different flavours and last week I came across a winner ... my new favourite at the moment.

The great thing about this recipe is that it can be made the night before and either popped in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or eaten cold as overnight oats - either way it's delicious!

It's also really nutritious, with energy boosting oats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from the carrot and immune-boosting cinnamon.

This recipe serves one, but I tend to make a batch as it keeps in the fridge well for a few days.

Please let me know what you think and share any of your own porridge recipes in the comments below.

Ingredients

• 50g porridge oats

• 350ml plant milk, water or a combination of both

• 1 small grated carrot

• 1 dessert spoon of dried raisins and cranberries

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• Crumbled walnuts/granola to serve

Method

1. Place all of the ingredients except the walnuts/granola into a bowl if microwaving, or a pan if cooking on the hob

2. Microwave for 2 minutes, stir, then microwave for a further minute. If cooking on the hob, bring to the boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes

3. Add a splash more milk to serve and top with crumbled walnuts/granola to serve.

4. Alternatively, you can combine all the ingredients and soak overnight in the fridge to wake up to lovely creamy overnight oats.

Health benefits

• Oats are slow release complex carbohydrates keeping you fuller for longer

• Carrots contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants including beta carotene, potassium and vitamin B6, which guard the body against viruses and inflammation

• Cranberries contain polyphenols that help to reduce the risk of heart disease

• Cinnamon has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well as prebiotic properties to improve gut health. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels

• Walnuts are a great source of omega 3 and can help lower cholesterol.