clipped from www.miamiherald.com

Serve this Ultimate microwave oatmeal with apple slices and orange juice.

Here are a few tricks for microwaved oatmeal success:

best to make one bowl at a time, using no more than 1/3 cup uncooked oats

The oatmeal will bubble up as it microwaves, and if your bowl is too small, the cereal can spill over the sides before it is done. Stopping in the middle of microwaving to stir helps prevent this.

cooking time depends on the power of your microwave. In general, it should be done in 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes. The oatmeal is ready when almost all of the water is absorbed. If you overcook it, just stir in a tablespoon or so more water

Topped with raisins, brown sugar and perhaps a sprinkle of nuts, a steaming bowl of oatmeal sends everyone off for the day (or night!) happier and healthier.

And we've all heard about the cholesterol-lowering bonus.