3/4 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. water
6 dates or 2 tbsp. raisins, walnuts or pecans

In a 1 quart cooking bowl combine the rolled oats, salt and water. If using raisins, stir them in at this time. Cook on high power 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once. Let stand 3 minutes. Spoon into 2 cereal bowls. On each serving, if omitting raisins, put 3 dates, cut in about 4 pieces each and a sprinkle of walnuts or coarsely cut pecans. Add brown sugar to taste. Serve with milk or half and half. Serves two.

Cold Day Special: After pouring the milk on the cereal, return the dishes to the oven and heat on 30 percent power, defrost or medium low, 3 to 4 minutes.