Oatmeal with... curry?

Yep, that's right! I've been challenging myself to play with flavors and spices in a way I wouldn't normally think to do so. Final result: Maple Coconut Curry Oatmeal.
It's easier to fall into routines than to break out of them. When you're busy it can be just as easy to continue cooking the same meal or with the same flavor combinations over and over again, especially when you know it will be good. I've noticed I have set ideas of flavors and what tastes good with what because of how I was brought up and where I've lived. This is one reason why I love cooking with friends because they bring something new to the table... literally! For example I have three friends in mind who got me thinking about flavor combinations: one is a rosemary fiend, another adds a Latin flair to everything she cooks, and one other friend has an obsession with French cooking. Whenever I cook with these people we always end up with something a little different than what we would cook had we been alone. We each have our own flavor palette and the addition of just one new taste can drastically change a dish to make something new and exciting.

Maple Coconut Curry Oatmeal

1 c rolled oats
3-4 c water
1/4 c pure maple syrup
1/4 c unsweetened coconut
curry powder

-Bring 3 c of the water to a boil and add the oats, turn down the heat to medium
-Once the oats are about halfway cooked, add the maple syrup and more water if desired for consistency
-After the oats have cooked for a few more minutes add the coconut and mix well
-Add a sprinkle of curry powder and mix, add more to your taste

*I added a couple shakes so it wasn't so overpowering or obvious... but intriguing!