Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

I love this oatmeal and have made it many times, it's a huge hit with David.  I usually half the recipe, make it the night before and reheat in the microwave.

Prep Time:   10 minutes
Cook Time:  10 minutes
Serves:         4 Servings


INGREDIENTS

3 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds, optional
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch nutmeg
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
1 cup lowfat milk, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon



DIRECTIONS

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.  Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.  I use old fashioned oats which usually take longer about 10 minutes.

In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.  Set aside.

When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg.  Swirl in the brown sugar and place the oatmeal in serving bowls.  Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Recipe from the Cooking Channel.

Pear Crisp

Breakfast Recipe

Yield: Makes 1 serving

Active Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/2 of a ripe Bartlett pear

1 small lemon wedge

1 1/2 teaspoons of honey

2 tablespoons of rolled oats

1 teaspoon butter or margarine

pinch of cinnamon

1 rounded tablespoon cottage cheese or plain yogurt, for serving (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400 ° F

2. Halve the pear half, peel and core; cut into small slices and place in a 6-ounce custard cup. Squeeze the lemon on top, add the honey, oats, margarine and then cinnamon and bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden and pears are soft.

3. Let cool for 5 minutes and add a dollop of cottage cheese or yogurt.