Caramel Oat Groats Pudding

Directions

• Soak 1 cup Maine Grains Organic Oat Groats overnight.
• After groats have soaked, cook in 2+ cups of water or slow cooker on high for 3 hours.
• Meanwhile, place 1/2 cup of sugar in a heavy sauce pan on medium low heat and cook and stir- it will form clumps but will melt into a thick brown liquid – keep stirring being careful not to burn the sugar (if it cooks too long it will become bitter) – this is your beginning caramel.
• Carefully (use gloves for safety) add to the sugar 3 cups of milk, the cinnamon stick, cloves and lemon or lime zest and salt. It may separate, but stir and steep for 10 minutes until all the flavors come together.
• Add the cooks groats to the caramel mixture and simmer for about 15 minutes until thick and creamy.
• In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks with a bit of the hot caramel mixture to temper the eggs.
• Add this yolk mixture to the rest of the caramel mixture, stirring, until it thickens to a pudding texture.
• Add the other 1/2 cup of sugar – if using – slowing to adjust the sweetness, add more milk for a thinner consistency if desired.
• Let cool and refrigerate.
• Serve in individual bowls/ramekins with fresh fruit and grated zest if desired.