1-1/2 c. water
3/4 c. steel-cut oats (McCann’s Irish Oats from Woodman’s) not instant
3/4 c. low-fat milk
6 oz. container plain low-fat yogurt
2 Tbls. maple syrup (or honey)
1/2 - 2/3 c. assorted dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, blue berries, apricots, apples, raisins, golden raisins or mixed dried fruit bits)
1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
1/8 t. salt
1/3 c. coarsely chopped almonds, toasted
sliced banana, optional
In a 2-qt. saucepan combine water and oats. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula (oats will not be tender). Remove from heat; transfer to mixing bowl. Cool 5 minutes.
Stir in milk, yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), apple or pumpkin pie spice, salt and dried fruits.
Cover and chill 12 hours (overnight). Will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To serve, heat oatmeal in saucepan over low heat, for 10 minutes, stirring often (you can add a little milk if you like your oatmeal thinner). Divide among 4 serving bowls.
Top with almonds and slices of banana. Makes 3-1/4 cups.