I recommend soaking your oats the night before. If you don't want to soak overnight, then at least 1-2 hours will give better results. Do not skip soaking! I have written the recipe based on this method. This will ensure a much smoother, creamier oatmeal as well. You also need less water to cook them with this way. If you don't soak them, you will need to probably add 3 cups of water instead of 2 1/4 and likely add more spices/flavor to compensate for the extra water. To soak, simply add your oats to a bowl and cover well with warm water and juice from half a lemon. Stir and cover with a towel. (The lemon helps break down the phytic acid) Soak overnight. Was that so hard?

In the morning, rinse the oats well. Add to a medium pot with the 2 1/4 cups water, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and syrup. Stir well and turn the heat to high. Once boiling, turn to simmer and cover. Cook for about 8 minutes, or to desired consistency. Check it a few times to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom. Immediately stir in the vanilla.

Add pecans and drizzle with some optional coconut butter "icing". Taste and add any additional sweetener or spice, if desired. Just leave off the icing if you are watching your fat intake, as it is completely delicious without it.