In barely more time than it takes to boil the water for instant oatmeal, you can make this delicious homemade hot cereal. Pure maple syrup lends warm flavor and gentle sweetness to wholesome oats, while chewy dried cherries and crunchy walnuts add textural contrast.

Tip: Need more servings? This recipe is easily doubled or tripled — just use a medium saucepan if you're upping the quantities.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• milk or soy milk for serving (optional)

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2.

Preparation

Place the water, oats, and cinnamon in a small saucepan, stir, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the water is mostly absorbed and the oats reach desired tenderness.

Stir in the maple syrup, cherries and walnuts and remove from the heat. Allow to rest, covered, for 2 minutes.

Serve with milk and additional maple syrup, if desired.

Enjoy!