Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

cookiedog's Note:

This tastes like an oatmeal cookie in a bowl... only this is much healthier for you! From Ellie Krieger and the food network. You can make this in advanced and store in individual containers in the refrigerator and then pull them out and microwave as needed. (Just make sure to store walnuts separately.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 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
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
• 1 cup low-fat milk, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Reviews

[**Mandy**]

A lovely filling brekky with that lovely hinto of vanilla, I topped with parline pecans & vanilla yoghurt, thanks CD!

[Merlot]

Oh my.....ANOTHER winner from Scoutie! You don't want to miss this breakfast delight. It smelled so good I could hardly wait to eat it. It absolutely is like eating an oatmeal cookie and a lot easier to make. Thanks for sharing this, Scoutie!!!!!

[children from A to Z]

I made this last friday and forgot to rate it. My 11 yr old inhaled his oatmeal. My 3 & 5 yr olds ate about half. This was so easy to make and smells wonderful. I did have to cut the recipe in half I didn't have enough oats to make the full amount. I will be making this again for sure. Thanks so much for posting!