While you can swap out almost every ingredient in your oatmeal to suit your taste, replacing the cooking water or milk with tea can truly enhance the taste and aroma of the dish.

If you want to use black tea, steep it for a shorter time and opt for scented varieties, like Earl Grey and Lady Grey, to ensure a balanced flavor when combined with fresh fruits.

Another option is spiced chai, which can impart a warm, spicy flavor to your oatmeal while limiting the natural astringency of the brew and providing a moderate caffeine boost.

If you prefer fruity flavors, try fruit-based teas such as lemon, mango, or berry. For a lighter, more floral scent, consider chamomile, or opt for ginger tea on a cold day.

To infuse your oatmeal with tea, brew a cup of tea as usual, using 8 to 16 ounces of hot water depending on the tea bag size. Once steeped, pour the brewed tea into a saucepan.

With 8 ounces or one cup of tea, you can cook about ¼ cup of steel-cut oats. If you're using instant or rolled oats, the portion will be larger — about ½ cup for each cup of tea.