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Pears with Brown Sugar, Bourbon, and Millet

October 11, 2015 By Rachel 45 Comments

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Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet – Need to warm your soul on a chilly fall morning? This cozy, hearty, and healthy breakfast will put you in the right frame of mind to seize the day.

Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet

Life can be a hustle. The day-to-day responsibilities constantly seem to demand my attention and distract me from the priorities that I hold dearest to my heart. At the end of the day, I’m left feeling exhausted and stretched thin.

Some distractions are necessary and unavoidable. For example, performing well at my job and stocking the fridge. Others feel necessary, like saying “yes” to every favor others ask of me or burden they place on me.

The thing is, in the end, I get to choose whether I say “yes” or not.

You know… I have a boundaries problem. If you have a similar problem I’m guessing you understand the compulsion to say “yes.”

For me, it’s not so much out of the desire to please or gain approval, but it comes from a place of genuinely caring about the people in my life. If someone is struggling, I feel the need to fix their problem, save them, or sometimes just convert them to my point of view. It’s an unhealthy complex.

I think it developed from being a firstborn and growing up in a home where substance abuse was an issue. There’s a belief that “if I just do or say the right thing, then so-and-so will change or make better choices.”

What I’m learning is, more often than not, that’s not the case. There’s a difference between being empathetic and inappropriately taking on the burdens of others. The latter is unhelpful and doesn’t make you a better friend or loved one. Maybe the change needs to begin with me…

Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet

There’s a passage in the Bible that says “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” It would seem that I have some speck, or perhaps some log removing to do.

The stillness of early morning, before my 4-year-old releases his bright sunshine and energy throughout my home, affords me some precious time to enjoy a cup of coffee, some breakfast, and a little quiet self-reflection in order to work on some of that speck removal.

Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet

This cozy, hot cereal is the perfect accompaniment on a chilly October morning. The millet has a light, nutty flavor and the walnuts add a hearty crunch to the cereal. And who can go wrong with warm pears dripping with brown sugar, bourbon, and a little butter?

Why not make a bowl and share in some quiet introspection yourself?

Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet

Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet
 
Print
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
5 mins
Total time
10 mins
 
Need to warm your soul on a chilly fall morning? This cozy, hearty, and healthy breakfast will put you in the right frame of mind to seize the day.
Author: Rachel Hanawalt
Recipe type: Breakfasts
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Hot Millet Cereal
  • 1 C cooked millet
  • 1 C 2% milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt
Brown Sugar Bourbon Pears
  • 1½ Tbsp butter
  • 3 Tbsp organic light brown sugar
  • splash of bourbon
  • 2 pears cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ⅛ C walnuts
Instructions
  1. Combine cooked millet*, 2% milk, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and slowly heat over low heat until it reaches scalding temperature, which is 180ºF. Basically, you'll be heating it until it's about to start simmering. If you see any signs of a simmer or a boil starting, immediately remove the pot from the heat. You can also heat the millet and milk in the microwave, on high, in a microwave safe bowl, in one minute increments until it's heated through.
  2. While the cereal is heating, prepare the brown sugar bourbon pear topping. Place butter and brown sugar in a pan over medium heat. Cook while stirring frequently until it begins to bubble, and then add a splash of bourbon. Simmer the bourbon for one minute while continuously stirring in order to cook the alcohol off. Finally, add the pears and the walnuts to the pan and continue heating until it returns to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
  3. Divide the hot millet between 2 bowls and serve topped with the brown sugar bourbon pears. Serve immediately.
Notes
*For this recipe I used millet that was precooked in a larger batch so that I could use it throughout the week. To precook millet place 1 C of millet into a saucepan over high heat, and toast the grain until it becomes aromatic. Then add 2 C of water to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer the millet covered for about 25 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Cool before refrigerating. It can be stored in a sealed container for up to a week.
3.5.3251

Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet

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Filed Under: Breakfasts, Fall, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Pears, Recipes, Vegetarian, Whole Grains, Winter Tagged With: bourbon, Breakfast, brown sugar, Gluten-Free, Milk, Millet, pear, Vegetarian, Walnut, Whole Grain

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Comments

  1. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    October 12, 2015 at 7:56 am

    What a wonderful bowlful of goodness! I love the combination of flavors. Cab;t wait to make the recipe. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:13 pm

      Thanks Marisa!

      Reply
  2. Louisa [Living Lou] says

    October 12, 2015 at 9:29 am

    This looks like the perfect dish for fall! I love that you’re using millet here too, this needs to become more mainstream – it’s just a matter of time.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:15 pm

      I totally agree! Millet is pretty fabulous. I love it’s nuttiness and how it kind of “pops” in your mouth.

      Reply
  3. Kathi @ Laughing Spatula says

    October 12, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    You had me at Bourbon! This looks so comforting and perfect. I have never had millet but it’s a great recipe to give it a try!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      Bourbon cooked into things always gets me too… millet is pretty great and you should give it a go!

      Reply
  4. Tina Marie says

    October 12, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    This will warm the heart and the soul on a cold morning.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      I love how hot cereals do that during the cold months.

      Reply
  5. Lucy says

    October 12, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    What a beautiful post! I’m obsessed with millet and currently have a big bag in my pantry. I’m definitely going to try this!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      Thanks Lucy, that’s so sweet. I have a big bag in my pantry too!… we’ve been eating it a lot lately.

      Reply
  6. adina says

    October 13, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    This sounds like a perfect breakfast, I love millet but am not using it often enough I think. I will love to try this with my canned pears, I have a lot of jars in the cellar. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      Making this with canned pears sounds lovely. I just love having jared items to extend the different fruit seasons!

      Reply
  7. Sarah says

    October 13, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    As always I enjoy reading your posts and seeing what you have to say. I feel like I am also a member of the yes-club, always wanting to care for and help others. As always I enjoy seeing what amazing food you come up with and I am not disappointed – these pictures look amazing and I’m sure it tastes even better than it looks!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      Thanks for sharing Sarah. Us “yes-clubbers” need to stick together! Thanks for all of the kind compliments too.

      Reply
  8. Leslie @ Bessie Bakes says

    October 13, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    I could definitely cozy up to this every morning! Thanks for sharing this beautiful recipe, and for sharing your personal struggles too. Saying no can be hard, but sometimes there is only so much we can do for others before we have to step back and do for ourselves:)

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      I agree. There’s an art in deciding what to say “yes” or “no” to! I’m a visiting nurse by day and I’m always telling the caregivers of my patients the importance of taking care of themselves. If a person wants to be helpful to others they need to take care and energize themselves first!

      Reply
  9. Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says

    October 14, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    seriously looks like the perfect fall breakfast on a chilly morning! Ive never ever tried millet, but I really need to after seeing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      Thanks Bethany. Millet is definitely work a go!

      Reply
  10. Whitney @ That Square Plate says

    October 16, 2015 at 12:09 am

    Love your writing! and the breakfast looks absolutely AMAZING. Brown sugar is a weakness of mine and bourbon is a beautiful thing!!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:34 pm

      Thanks Whitney! I was recently feeling frustrated with my writing, so that means a lot! And yeah… brown sugar and bourbon…this recipe was developed in a moment of weakness when I was overcome by my sweet tooth.

      Reply
  11. Paige @ Where Latin Meets Lagniappe says

    October 16, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    What a lovely post! I also have a very active four year old (my youngest of 3) and my morning quiet time is essential 🙂 Perfect way to start the day with this amazing millet 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      You must have such a busy household! Kids are such a blessing, but boy can they tire their mamas out!

      Reply
  12. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says

    October 17, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    A lovely breakfast recipe – I do love variations on porridge with different grains.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:36 pm

      Agreed… I’m a big fan of oatmeal, but it’s fun to switch things up from time-to-time!

      Reply
  13. CiaoFlorentina says

    October 18, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    Oh wow I’m all about this. Pears are my favorite fruit in the fall , what a lovely way to use them.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:37 pm

      Pears are awesome! I feel like with all the pumpkin and apple recipes floating around right now that the pour pear hasn’t gotten enough attention!

      Reply
  14. Joy @ Joy Love Food says

    October 19, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try millet, this sounds like the perfect recipe to give it a go, it looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      Thanks Joy. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out!

      Reply
  15. Deepika@EasyBabyMeals says

    October 19, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    What a comforting breakfast recipe. I love working with millets. They are comfort food for me.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Thanks Deepika. It really is a comforting grain. I love it al dente like in this recipe, or cooked a little longer and soft and creamy.

      Reply
  16. Diane says

    October 20, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    Thank you Rachel for a glimpse into your inner world. A thoughtful, introspective post with a unique, delicious sounding breakfast. Millet is a grain I enjoy, I just never thought about eating it for breakfast! This looks yummy!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks Diane! The nuttiness of millet work out perfectly for breakfast when fruit and milk are added!

      Reply
  17. dixy @ food, pleasure, and health says

    October 20, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    why have i not tried this yet?

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:41 pm

      It you give it try, let me know how it turn out!

      Reply
  18. Platter Talk says

    October 20, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    We have been savoring our fall pears; this looks like the next thing to go on our list; great job with this recipe!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 20, 2015 at 6:42 pm

      I love fall pears, but I ate all of mine! I guess it’s time to go shopping!

      Reply
  19. Heather says

    October 21, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    Pears and brown sugar are perfection on their own … throw in the bourbon and now we have a party!! Excellent recipe!!!

    Reply
  20. Oana @AdoreFoods says

    October 22, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Now, this is the perfect fall breakfast on a chilly morning! Looks really good

    Reply
  21. Molly Kumar says

    October 25, 2015 at 6:56 pm

    If breakfast looked this good, I can have them everyday 🙂 Delicious!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pears w Brown Sugar, Bourbon, and Millet - Yum Goggle says:
    October 13, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    […] GET THE RECIPE […]

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  2. Create & Share DIY and Recipe Party {76} - A Simple Pantry says:
    October 20, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    […] Truffle Filling || Easy DIY Fall Wreath || Rotten Pumpkin Jello Shots || Pumpkin Blondies || Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet || Pumpkin Energy […]

    Reply
  3. 15 Winter Breakfast Recipes to Warm You Up says:
    February 1, 2016 at 5:16 pm

    […] 3. Pears with Brown Sugar, Bourbon and Millet […]

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  4. +20 Millet Recipes - Sustainable and Healthy Ancient Grain | Masala Herb says:
    June 22, 2018 at 5:06 am

    […] Pears with Brown sugar, Bourbon, and Millet […]

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  5. Create & Share DIY and Recipe Party {76} • A Simple Pantry says:
    February 14, 2019 at 11:34 am

    […] Truffle Filling || Easy DIY Fall Wreath || Rotten Pumpkin Jello Shots || Pumpkin Blondies || Pears with Brown Sugar Bourbon and Millet || Pumpkin Energy […]

    Reply
  6. Start Your Day Off Warm With These Delicious Recipes - Honda North says:
    January 4, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    […] Every bite of this delicious bowl of oatmeal will be like heaven on a spoon. Don’t just take our word for it, though. In three easy steps, you can have a steaming bowl of sweet goodness to keep you company. Brown sugar and pears go together like peanut butter and jelly. […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Rachel! Welcome to Simple Seasonal, a resource for simple, healthful, and delicious recipes that help you make the most of seasonal produce from your local farmer's market, CSA, or home garden. Simple Seasonal is committed to a whole foods diet. With an occasional cookie... ;)


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