Apple, raisins and cinnamon are scrumptious additions to oatmeal.

EQUIPMENT:

Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Large spoon
4 cereal bowls

INGREDIENTS:

1 med. apple or pear
3 c. apple juice or cider
1 1/3 c. reg. rolled oats
1/4 c. raisins or chopped pitted dates
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Milk
Brown sugar (if you like)

1. On the cutting board, use the sharp knife to cut the apple or pear into 4 pieces. Cut out the core and throw it away. Chop each piece.

2. In the saucepan, put the chopped apple or pear, apple juice or cider, oats, raisins or dates, and cinnamon. Stir with the wooden spoon to mix. Put the pan on the burner. Turn the burner to medium high heat. Cook just until bubbly. Turn burner to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Turn off the burner. Remove the saucepan from the burner.

3. With the large spoon, put the oatmeal into the cereal bowls. Serve immediately with milk and brown sugar, if you like. Makes 4 servings.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:

Prepare as above, except use 2 1/2 cups of apple juice or cider. Follow Step 1. In a microwave-safe 2 quart casserole put the chopped apple or pear, apple juice or cider, oats, raisins or dates, and cinnamon. Cover with the lid. Place in the microwave oven. Set on high (100%) power. Micro-cook for 3 minutes. Stir using the wooden spoon. Micro-cook, covered, on high for 3 to 4 minutes more or until hot and bubbly. Follow Step 3.