Chai-Spiced Buckwheat and Chia Seed Porridge

Put the buckwheat and oats in a bowl and cover well with cold water. Put the chia seeds in a separate bowl and add 1 cup of the milk. Leave both bowls on the bench to soak overnight.

Drain the buckwheat and oats in a fine sieve then rinse well under cold water.

Place the chia seeds with the milk in a medium saucepan along with the remaining 1 cup milk, the buckwheat and oats, water, grated pear and apple, all the spices, nut butter, vanilla and honey. Cook over a low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often until thick and creamy, adding more water or milk to keep it at a soft consistency. Serve in bowls topped with your choice of toppings.

Cook's tip: The porridge keeps well in the fridge for 5 days. Just heat each serving when needed, adding a little extra liquid if needed. 

Mixed Berry Compote

Put the berries, orange zest and juice and the caster sugar in a saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. Mix the cornflour and water together in a bowl until smooth then stir into the berries. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the juices have thickened. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes about 2 cups

Topping suggestions

Milk or cream or a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy; coconut yoghurt or regular yoghurt – plain or fruit; roasted figs with honey; fresh berries when in season; cinnamon-roasted pears or apples; poached rhubarb with raspberries; sliced banana and maple syrup; toasted nuts and seeds – almonds, macadamias, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.