Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts

START TO FINISH: 20 minutes MAKES 4 servings

3 cups water

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

11⁄3 cups regular rolled oats

1 small apple or pear, chopped

1⁄4 cup snipped pitted whole dates (optional)

2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Fat-free milk, warmed (optional)

1 In a medium saucepan combine the water, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to boiling; stir in oats. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and let stand until oatmeal reaches desired consistency.

2 Divide oatmeal among cereal bowls. Top with apple, dates (if desired), almonds, and brown sugar. If desired, serve with warm milk.

PER SERVING: 148 cal., 3 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 0 mg chol., 152 mg sodium, 27 g carb., 4 g fiber, 4 g pro.

make it vegan

Do not use optional milk, or substitute soymilk for dairy milk.