Old Fashioned Oatmeal with Apples, Raisins and Honey-Toasted Walnuts

If the thought of ordinary oatmeal sounds unappealing, try this variation and see what you think.  Do go to the extra effort and make the honey-toasted walnuts.  They’re scrumptious!

The recipe is from Epicurious.

Old-Fashioned Oatmeal with Apples, Raisins and Honey-Toasted Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened apples juice
• 1 cup finely chopped peeled apple
• 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt

1.  Stir chopped walnuts in small nonstick skillet over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Drizzle honey over and stir until honey thickens and coats nuts, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Stir to loosen nuts from skillet and cool.

2.  Bring 3 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Add oats and salt and stir over medium heat until oats are softened and very thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in apple juice, chopped apple, brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.

3.  Divide cereal among 4 bowls. Top with vanilla yogurt and honey-toasted walnuts and serve.