Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

This is some good oatmeal! I made it on the weekend and reheated the left overs during the week for a quick breakfast. I added the milk and nuts after microwaving the left over oatmeal mixture.

I think Ellie Krieger is one class act and adds a wonderful element to the Food Network line up. I wish there were more health-minded shows to watch. Also, more variety of cuisines represented would be nice. I would love to see an Indian and Asian cooking show.

I just purchased So Easy by Ellie Krieger and think this will be my go-to book this year as I try to eat better and watch my calorie intake.

Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

Ellie Krieger, So Easy

Makes 4 servings

Serving size: 1 1/4 cups, calories 370

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pecans

3 1/2 cups water

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of ground nutmeg (I grated some whole nutmeg)

2 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar, can add more to taste

1 cup low-fat milk, or to taste

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Chop them coarsely.

Combine the water, oats, raisins, and salt, if using, in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring a few times, until the oats are tender, about 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat 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 over each bowl, sprinkle with the toasted pecans and cinnamon, and serve.