Spiced Irish Oatmeal With Cream and Crunchy Sugar

Step 1

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart shallow gratin or baking dish.

Step 2

Cut 2 tablespoons butter into small cubes, and put them in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add the oats and sauté until they smell nutty and toasted, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the cardamom and cinnamon, and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Scrape oats into the buttered baking pan and stir in the boiling water, cream and salt.

Step 4

Bake oats for 40 minutes, then give them a stir. Sprinkle sugar all over the oats, and scatter reserved cubed butter on top. Continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer, until the top is glazed and bubbling.

Step 5

Sprinkle oatmeal with flaky sea salt, if you like. Serve oats with more cream and sugar on the side.