Step 1

Pit the dates and add the to a medium pot. Add in the 1 cup of water and bring this to a boil. As soon as the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.

Step 2

The baking soda will fizz in the dates, so use this time to take a spatula and mash the dates into a paste. The baking soda will help facilitate the mashing.

Step 3

Return the pot to medium heat. Add the cup of oats and two cups of milk into the pot. Stir to combine and add 1/4 cup of flax meal, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground clove, all spice and ginger. Stir and let this come to a simmer.

Step 4

As soon as the oats have come to a simmer, turn off the heat. Taste and season with salt as preferred. Separate the oats into two storage containers. Store overnight or for up to four days.

Step 5

The next day (or when you are ready to eat) pour a tablespoon of maple syrup over each oatmeal portion and enjoy cold. See note.