Having spent much of the past few months on long haul flights jetting across the Atlantic, squeezing in as many lunch, coffee and dinner dates as my waistband would allow, I totally understand how it may appear that I live a glamorous Kardashian-esque lifestyle. But with the side-effects of jet lag, in-flight lurgies, and gorging on my favourite UK foods as if they were all about to be banished to Mars, I feel as far removed from the glamour of the Kardashian sisters as is humanly possible – although the size of my butt is now pretty comparable!

As I settle back into the realms of reality, fighting the infamous rainy climes of Seattle, the onset of a post-flight cold, and the inescapable negativity of Oscar Gaffes, Trump-atrocities and Brexit-backlash, all I want to do is shut out the world and have my husband give me a big hug.

This Spiced Apple & Date Oatmeal Recipe is as close to a hug as you can get. Not only does it wrap you up in a warming blanket of breakfast goodness, but it’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime. Using the natural sweetness of dates, this dish contains no refined sugar. You can also substitute the milk for a dairy-free alternative – this is SO delicious with coconut or almond milk. If you’re feel totally angelic, why not try my recipe for Home-Made Almond Milk?

This spiced porridge breakfast is all you need to kick-start your day, takes only 10 minutes to make and is 100% politics free – yay, yay, triple yay!

To get started, put the apple juice in a medium sized saucepan and bring it to boil. Add the porridge oats, stir and cook for one minute.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the dates, cinnamon and nutmeg – smells gorgeous doesn’t it? Cover the pan and set it aside for five minutes to soak, soften and turn into something magical.

Give your oatmeal a quick stir and divide into two bowls. Add a splash of milk and a sprinkle of coconut to finish off this breakfast masterpiece – I defy you not to feel warm and wonderful after eating this!

Did you enjoy the blog? Why not visit the Arugula & Rocket Online Cook Shop to see my range of fun, fancy and functional kitchen & barware!