clipped from www.miamiherald.com

prefer the slightly chewy texture of ''old-fashioned'' oats

If the oatmeal is still very watery after 1 ½ minutes, continue to microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until almost all of the water is absorbed. Microwaving for longer than 2 ½ minutes nonstop tends to cause the oatmeal to bubble over.

Seasonal fresh fruits such as blueberries or sliced bananas

1/3 cup old-fashioned uncooked oats

•  ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, honey or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons raisins

• 1 tablespoon toasted, chopped walnuts (optional)

Place the oats and 2/3 cup 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, 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes depending on the power of your microwave. Remove the bowl and stir in the cinnamon. Let the oatmeal stand until all the water is absorbed, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

brown sugar, raisins and walnuts