Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

I am not a huge fan of oatmeal because it has a tendency to be bland, and I do not like the instant oatmeal because it is way too sweet. I came across this recipe while watching Ellie Krieger's cooking show on food network and desperately wanted to try it. It uses old fashioned oats, so it is healthy for you, and with all the extra flavor added into it, well, its far from being bland! Enjoy!

Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
• 1 cup lowfat milk, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Swirl in the brown sugar and place the oatmeal in serving bowls. Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Note: For a quicker version using quick cooking or plain instant oatmeal: Cook the oatmeal according to the directions on the package. Stir raisins, brown sugar, and nutmeg into the cooked oatmeal. Top with milk, nuts (toasted or un-toasted) and cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories 255, Total fat 4g, Saturated fat 1g, Monounsaturated fat 1g, Polyunsaturated fat 1g, Cholesterol 4mg, Sodium 40mg, Carbohydrates 51g, Protein 8g, Fiber 4.5g,