Oatmeal for the new you

For the past month, breakfast has been an adolescent’s dream - eggnog, French toast, and sticky buns. Check the calendar, kids: Play time is over. Whip your energy level back into shape with a heaping bowl of oatmeal ($4.25) at Pie Bakery and Cafe in Newton Centre. Pastry chef Paige Retus starts to simmer a pot of rolled oats just as her scones go into the oven mornings at 6. As the oats slow cook into oatmeal, Paige adds milk and water. The texture is lightweight, but the wholesome impact is satisfying enough to stave off the deepest arctic chill. The biggest fans of this winter classic, served with homemade granola, raisins, and brown sugar, are a pack of oat-burning guys from Gold’s Gym. Gym plus oatmeal equals new you. Pie Bakery & Cafe, 796 Beacon St., Newton Centre, 617-332-8743, www.piebakeryandcafe.com KATHLEEN PIERCE