Did anyone else read Sweet Valley Twin series as a kid? My parents bought me some of those books, my older cousin also had some copies and the old school library also kept a few copies. I devoured those books like candies from ages 7 to 10. (I moved on to Harry Potter after that. Big leap, huh?) It just reminds me that in one of the books, Jessica, the popular twin, had to wear prescription glasses, but she was mercilessly teased about them. Determined to look like her pretty little ol' self again, she kept on eating carrots and at some point, she was wondering if she was turning orange. (Peer pressure, don't let it get to you, kids.)

See, I have always loved carrots as a kid, but after reading that story, I was beginning to wonder if I was turning very orange, afraid I'd start to look like an oompa loompa. I stopped eating carrots, much to my parents' surprise. I remember them sitting me down on afternoon and explaining to me all about vitamins and minerals, and how our bodies need the proper nutrients to function optimally. I started eating carrots again. 

You can imagine just how much I love incorporating carrots to my dishes and baked goods. Carrot cake was second type of cake I ever baked when I started learning (banana was the first - classic). Of course I had to add carrots to my oatmeal and recreate my beloved carrot cake for breakfast as well. One can never have too many carrots, right? 

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

(Serves 1)

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup milk of choice (I used coconut milk from a carton for extra creaminess), more as needed
• 1/4 cup water 
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

Toppings (whichever you prefer):

• Fresh figs
• Dried cranberries/raisins
• Peanut butter/coconut yoghurt
• Berries: raspberries are my favourite to mix in
• Banana slices
• Coconut flakes
• Chocolate chips

In a small saucepan saucepan, add milk and water and bring to a boil. Then add oats, grated carrots, spices and vanilla essence with the heart turned to a low. Simmer and once thick, stir continuously for a creamy consistency. Add more liquid as desired. Allow to cook for a few more minutes.

Pour into your favourite bowl and as it cools a bit, add your desired toppings. Go crazy!

xx