April Bloomfield'S English Porridge

1. 1

   Combine the milk, water, and salt in a medium pot (a 2-quart pot should do it) and set over high heat. As soon as the liquid comes to a gentle simmer, add both kinds of oats and lower the heat to medium.

2. 2

   Cook the oats at a steady simmer, stirring frequently and lowering the heat as necessary to maintain the simmer.

3. 3

   After about 20 minutes at the simmer, the rolled oats will have turned a bit mushy, while the steel-cut oats will be just tender and pop when you bite them.

4. 4

   Taste for seasoning-it should be on the salty side. Add sugar or syrup. Spoon the porridge into warm bowls and let it sit for a minute. Then carefully pour a little cold milk around the edges of each bowl, so it pools all the way round. Sprinkle a five-fingered pinch of sugar or drizzle the syrup in the center of each and let it melt, then serve right away.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.