Ultimate microwave oatmeal

⅓ cup old-fashioned uncooked oats (see note)

⅔ cup water

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon light brown sugar, honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons raisins (see note)

1 tablespoon toasted, chopped walnuts, optional

Place the oats and water in a microwave-safe cereal bowl that has a capacity of at least 2 cups. Microwave, uncovered, on high, until the oatmeal is thick and almost all of the water is absorbed, about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 minutes (depending on the power of your microwave). Remove the bowl from the microwave, and stir in the cinnamon. Let the oatmeal stand until all of the water is absorbed, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Sprinkle the brown sugar, raisins and walnuts, if using, evenly over the oatmeal. (Stir in or leave on top as desired.) Serve at once.

Serves one.

Cook's note: We prefer the slightly chewy texture of "old-fashioned" oats. Quick-cooking oats become mushy. If the oatmeal is still very watery after 1 minutes, continue to microwave for 30-second intervals, stopping between intervals to stir, until almost all of the water is absorbed. Microwaving for longer than 2 minutes nonstop tends to cause the oatmeal to bubble over.

Other dried fruits can be added or substituted. We especially like dried cranberries and dried cherries. Seasonal fresh fruits such as blueberries or sliced bananas are also terrific.

Nutrition values per serving: 207 calories (9 percent from fat), 2 g fat (0 saturated), 46 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein, 0 cholesterol, 11 mg sodium.