A note from the kitchen
This humble recipe has become a crowd pleaser at the recent retreat I’ve been cooking for.
While it’s in the pan, the smell develops into something close to a comforting cake.
Warm, sweet, buttery and slightly nutty. More than once, people walked in mid-process just to say how comforting it felt.
And the taste follows through.
Just two to three teaspoons on top of your yogurt — with strawberries or whatever fruit you like — completely changes the mouthfeel. It adds depth, warmth, and that subtle crunch that makes breakfast feel luxurious.
It’s simple and quick to make, easy to store, and one of those things that upgrades everything around it.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
• 120 g fine (thin) rolled oats
• 60 g pumpkin seeds
• 90 g almonds (blanched or unblanched)
• 40 g pecans
• 30 g butter
• 40 g honey
• 45–60 g brown sugar
• ½ tsp himalayan salt
• 1½–2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
• Optional: fresh orange zest (added at the end)
How to Make It
Step 1: Build your base and slowly roast
Add the butter into a medium-sized pan and place over medium-low heat until melted.
Add oats, pumpkin seeds, and nuts. Let everything warm gently for about 7–8 minutes, until lightly golden and aromatic.
Step 2: Caramel layer
Add honey, brown sugar, salt and vanilla.
Stir continuously so everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Develop texture
Let it caramelize slowly, turning it regularly.
Add cinnamon towards the end.
Aim for a soft golden colour, not too dark.
Step 4: Blend and Add Cream
Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed.
Step 5: Finish
Spread onto a baking tray and let it cool completely.
Break it up occasionally to create loose, crunchy clusters.
Step 6: Store
Keep in an airtight container once cooled.
How to use
Over coconut yogurt or chia pudding
With fresh fruit like strawberries
As a topping for anything creamy
Or simply with milk