Fruit And Spice Cut Oatmeal

Oats are an excellent source of fiber and one of the easiest foods to prepare. Cook them in milk instead of water, if you prefer a creamier texture. Here we suggest adding the oats to boiled water, which gives them a firm, slightly coarse texture.

Serves: 4
Prep:  10 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 40 min
      
Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups water
• 3/4 cup steel cut oats
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 large tart cooking apple (8 ounces), cored and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped dates or dried figs
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1% milk (optional)
   

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the oats and salt and bring to a bare simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Stir in the apple, dates or figs, honey, pie spice, and ginger. Return to a bare simmer and cook, covered, for 15 minutes longer, or until the oats are tender but still have a slight bite to them. Spoon into bowls and stir in the milk or drizzle it over the top, if using.

Nutritional Facts per serving
Calories     216.8 cal
Fat     2.1 g
Saturated fat     0.3 g
Cholesterol     0 mg
Sodium     79.1 mg
Carbohydrates     49 g
Total sugars     26.4 g
Dietary fiber     4.8 g
Protein     4.6 g

Courtesy of the Rodale Healthy Recipe Finder.