Old Fashioned Porridge: A Comforting Classic from The Governor’s Inn

There’s a quiet magic in a dish that can transport you back in time, a simple warmth that feels like a hug from a cherished memory. For me, that dish is Old Fashioned Porridge. It evokes a crisp Vermont autumn morning at The Governor’s Inn, where the air was clean and the scent of woodsmoke mingled with something deeply comforting baking in the hearth. I remember the first time I tasted it, served not just as a humble breakfast but as a true culinary experience, complete with a swirl of vanilla ice cream and the rich, unmistakable kiss of pure maple syrup. It was a revelation of textures and flavors, a testament to the power of simple, honest ingredients treated with care.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Serves 4
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in coaxing the best flavors from this timeless dish. Old-fashioned oats, the unhurried kind, are the backbone, providing a delightful chewiness that instant varieties simply can’t replicate.

• 3 cups water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 2/3 cups old-fashioned oats (ensure they are not instant)
• 2/3 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (pure, for the best flavor)
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Chilled milk or heavy cream, for serving

Equipment Needed

While this recipe celebrates simplicity, a few key tools will ensure a smooth cooking process.

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• 6-cup souffle dish or similar oven-safe baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

The beauty of this Old Fashioned Porridge lies in its straightforward approach, allowing the wholesome ingredients to shine. We begin by coaxing the oats to a tender state before introducing the other delightful elements.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This steady, moderate heat is crucial for allowing the porridge to set beautifully without burning.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the 3 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the water is boiling, stir in the 3/4 teaspoon of salt. This simple addition enhances all the other flavors.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-high and carefully add the 1 2/3 cups of old-fashioned oats. Stir them in to prevent clumping.
5. Cook the oats, stirring occasionally, for precisely 5 minutes. This brief cooking time is just enough to hydrate the oats slightly before they enter the oven, setting them up for a creamy texture.
6. Carefully transfer the partially cooked oatmeal into a 6-cup souffle dish or a similarly sized oven-safe baking dish. The dish should be large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for a slight rise.
7. Now, it’s time to introduce the heart of the flavor. Add all the remaining ingredients to the dish, except for the milk or cream. This includes the 2/3 cup raisins, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup dark molasses, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
8. Using a mixing spoon, stir everything together until it is well combined. Ensure the raisins, nuts, and spices are evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture. The eggs will act as a binder, helping the porridge set into a delightful, spoonable consistency.
9. Place the souffle dish into the preheated oven and bake until set. This will take approximately 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are firm and the center is just beginning to set, with a slight jiggle remaining – it will continue to set as it cools.
10. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Spoon the warm porridge into individual bowls.
11. Finally, to serve, pour a generous amount of chilled milk or heavy cream over each portion. This adds a wonderful contrast in temperature and texture, creating a truly decadent experience.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Old Fashioned Porridge from simply good to truly memorable, consider these seasoned insights. The quality of your maple syrup, for instance, can make a noticeable difference. Opt for a dark, robust variety for a deeper flavor profile. When chopping the walnuts, aim for a fine chop; this ensures they are evenly distributed and don’t overwhelm any single bite. If you find your oats sticking to the bottom of the saucepan during the initial 5-minute cook, a gentle stir every minute or so should do the trick. For an extra layer of richness, you can lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture. This awakens their natural oils and imparts a subtle nutty depth.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Old Fashioned Porridge is at its absolute best when served warm, directly from the oven, with that comforting splash of cold milk or cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, mirroring the original inspiration, a dollop of high-quality vanilla ice cream and a final drizzle of pure maple syrup transforms it into a dessert-worthy treat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash more milk or cream if needed to achieve your desired consistency. It’s important to note that this dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture can change slightly upon refrigeration and reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	501.8 kcal	25%
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	9.6 g	14%
Saturated Fat	1.7 g	8%
Cholesterol	93 mg	31%
Sodium	498.2 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	99.3 g	33%
Dietary Fiber	5 g	20%
Sugars	63.8 g	255%
Protein	9.5 g	19%

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic preparation is truly superb, the adaptable nature of porridge allows for delightful variations. For a gluten-free version, ensure you are using certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats. If you prefer to reduce the sweetness slightly, as some of us at The Governor’s Inn did, feel free to cut the maple syrup and brown sugar by half, as mentioned in the initial inspiration. For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts. If you don’t have dark molasses, regular unsulfured molasses can be used, though the flavor will be a touch lighter. Pecans can also be substituted for walnuts for a slightly different nutty profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A: While you can technically use quick oats, the texture will be considerably softer and less chewy, which is a hallmark of this traditional recipe. Old-fashioned oats are highly recommended for the best result.

Q: Why do I need to pre-cook the oats for 5 minutes?
A: This initial brief cooking helps to hydrate the oats slightly, ensuring they cook evenly in the oven and contribute to a creamier, more integrated final texture.

Q: How do I know when the porridge is set?
A: The edges of the porridge will appear firm, and the center should no longer be liquid. It might still have a slight jiggle, which is perfectly fine as it will continue to set as it cools.

Q: Can I make this porridge ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can bake the porridge and then reheat it gently. However, the texture might not be quite as ideal as when it’s first prepared.

Q: Is this dish suitable for breakfast or dessert?
A: It’s wonderfully versatile! It makes a hearty and comforting breakfast, but with the addition of ice cream and maple syrup, it’s also a delightful, rustic dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Porridge is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, to savor the simple pleasures, and to connect with a culinary tradition that has comforted generations. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients, when treated with respect and assembled with care, can create something truly extraordinary. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the warmth of your oven, and prepare to be transported. I encourage you to share your experiences, your own little twists, and the joy this timeless dish brings to your table. Perhaps pair it with a steaming mug of apple cider on a cool evening for the ultimate comforting experience. Enjoy!