“They’re building a gallery here in Clare,” she continued. “It’ll be open in the spring. Here’s porridge to start you off while the rest is cooking.”

Porridge. It was perfect. A rainy morning in an Irish cottage and porridge in a thick brown bowl.  Grinning, he sat down and began to eat.

Born in Ice, page 22 ( copyright 1994 Nora Roberts, published by Jove Books, NY, NY)

Irish Porridge

Ingredients:

4 cups water

1 cup steel-cut Irish Oatmeal*

1/4 teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

Brown or White Sugar and Whole Milk or Cream

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan bring the water to a boil.

2. While stirring constantly, sprinkle the oats over the boiling water, and do not dump them in all at once! To prevent lumps, continue to stir until all oatmeal is mixed with water.

3. Add salt and reduce heat to low.

4. Simmer the porridge for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve warm. If desired, garnish with sugar and serve milk or cream on the side.

* Irish steel-cut oatmeal can be found at many stores in the U.S. (check the cereal or imported foods sections. An acceptable substitute would be regular or "old fashioned" oatmeal (not instant or quick-cooking oats)