Oatmeal

Craisin Cinnamon Oatmeal (Lisa Esplin)

2 cups water
1 cup oatmeal (Regular or Instant)
1/2 cups dried sweetened cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar (Optional)
1-2 teaspoons of Peanut Butter (Optional-I know it sounds wierd but it's so yummy!)

Boil two cups of water. Stir in oatmeal and remaining ingredients. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Cook for less time if using instant oatmeal. I usually add Stonyfield Organic Low Fat French Vanilla Yogurt to Claire and Afton's oatmeal to cool it down and give it flavor. I eat mine with Skim Milk.

Pumpkin Oatmeal (Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious)

1 cup nonfat (skim milk)
1/4 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup canned pumpkin or sweet potato puree
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (I used cinnamon and nutmeg)
1 cup old-fashioned oats
2 teaspoons natural peanut butter (optional, I’d say go with 1 teaspoon)
Dried fruit and nuts (optional)
Pure maple syrup, for serving

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla, and if using, and spice. Bring to a gentle boil and stir in the oatmeal. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the oatmeal is soft and creamy. Stir in peanut butter, if using.

2. Spoon the oatmeal into bowls, sprinkle with dried fruit and nuts, if you like, and serve warm with maple syrup.

*I usually omit the last step and cook with water instead of milk 2 cups water to 1 cup oatmeal. I usually add Stonyfield Organic Low Fat French Vanilla Yogurt to Claire and Afton's oatmeal to cool it down and give it flavor. I eat mine with Skim Milk.