Homemade Oatmeal

I thought we were spoiled.  We eat instant Quaker oatmeal, my favorite being Cinnamon and Spice, quite frequently for breakfast.  Well, while on vacation I discovered the creamy, rich goodness of homemade oatmeal.  I don't know if I can ever go back.  I ate it every chance I had, adding brown sugar and raisins.  Mmmmm- yummy.  While reading Prevention magazine (it always gets me motivated to get my act together) I found a recipe that I think I will try tomorrow morning:

Fruity-Nutty Oatmeal

1 cup water

2 1/2 c fat free milk, divided

1 1/4 c old-fashioned rolled oats

pinch of salt (optional)

1 lg pear or med Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into 1/4 in pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries

1/4 cup dark or golden raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 tsp brown sugar

Bring water and 1 1/2 cups of the milk to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat.  Stir in oats and salt.  Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 3 min., stirring often, until oats start to soften.

Stir in pear.  Cover and simmer about 3 min. more or until it is tender but still a bit crisp.  Stir in cranberries and raisins.  Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 min. to soften.

Divide evenly among 4 warm bowls.  Sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons of the walnuts and 1/2 tsp. of the sugar.  Top each bowl with 1/4 cup of the remaining milk.

What do you think?  I know the weather is getting warmer, but what a way to start the day!:-)