Pear Oat Porridge

Ripe pear breaks down as it cooks with the oats, so the whole bowl softens together into one pale, lightly fruity porridge with no separate fruit to stir in.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oats (certified gluten-free if avoiding gluten)
• ½ ripe pear
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. 1Peel ½ ripe pear, remove the core and any tough seeds, then chop it into small dice.
2. 2Put the pear in a small pan with ½ cup water and 2 tbsp oats and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. 3Cook uncovered over low heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the oats have thickened and the pear collapses when pressed against the side of the pan.
4. 4Mash everything together with a fork until only soft lumps remain, adding water a spoonful at a time if it stiffens.
5. 5Cool to lukewarm before serving, and stay with your baby throughout the meal.

Tip. A firm, underripe pear needs a few extra minutes of simmering before it will mash easily.