This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and MilkPEP. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Milk is a key ingredient in many Latino family recipes. One of my abuelito’s favorite drinks is Atole de Avena, which is a warm, oatmeal and milk-based beverage. It’s thick, rich, and totally comforting in this cool Fall weather! You’ll often see atole sold at outdoor mercados (markets) in Mexico in many different flavors, as seen in the photo below.
“Atole” by waywuwei is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
While atole’s traditionally made with masa (corn flour), my family has always preferred it with oatmeal. As Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to a close, I’d love to share the recipe with you:
Atole de Avena
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¾ cup oats (like Quaker® old-fashioned)
- 1½ cups milk (preferably whole)
- Fruit (optional; I like adding a cup of strawberries to give it a nice pink color and subtle flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar to taste (about ¼-½ cup)
- Bring water and cinnamon stick to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for a few minutes, to get as much cinnamon flavor infused into the water as possible.
- While the water is simmering, place oatmeal, milk, and fruit (optional) in a blender, with a pinch of salt, and blend until smooth.
- Add this mixture to the boiling cinnamon water slowly, raise the heat a little, and stir until it’s combined and almost starts to boil.
- Lower heat, and add sugar and stir until it dissolves.
- Atole is usually pretty thin, so that you can sip it, so add more milk as needed.
- Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
While atole is absolutely delicious, sometimes I’d rather have a quick and refreshing cold smoothie with the same rich, comforting flavor. I saw a recipe for a Oatmeal and Strawberry Frappe, and thought I could tweak it a little… so here’s my version. It’s an easy-peasy recipe that reminds me of my grandpa’s strawberry atole – but icy cold – and is a great way to incorporate the essential nutrients children and adults need from milk and whole grains.
Oatmeal and Strawberry Frappe
- 1 packet of Quaker® instant oatmeal, original flavor
- 1 cup of good quality strawberry ice cream (about two BIG scoops)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (I think it brings out the sweetness and nuttiness of the oatmeal)
- 2 cups of milk
- Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
WANT MORE? Visit fuertesconleche.com and www.quakeroats.com for recipes, nutrition tips, and additional information. Also be sure to follow the #HerenciaLeche 30-day photo challenge for Hispanic Heritage Month. There are some great photos!
YOUR TURN! Please share your family’s favorite traditional milk-based recipe below. I’d love to try something new and delicious!
