"YOU CATCH DISEASE- YOU CHOOSE HEALTH" J. Meyer

I heard a great message on taking the time to take care of yourself  so as we get older we can be healthy.  You are never to young to start. Here are two heart healthy breakfasts with oatmeal for the young and old.  The best part is you can change the fruits  and spice to your liking-be creative , let the kids or grandkids help out- right now blueberries and strawberries are fresh -
VANILLA SPICE OATMEAL 

• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
• 1 cup lowfat milk, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Swirl in the brown sugar and place the oatmeal in serving bowls. Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Note: For a quicker version using quick cooking or plain instant oatmeal: Cook the oatmeal according to the directions on the package. Stir raisins, brown sugar, and nutmeg into the cooked oatmeal. Top with milk, nuts (toasted or un-toasted) and cinnamon.

Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients
• 2  cups Quick Quaker® Oats OR 2-1/4 cups Old Fashioned Quaker® Oats, uncooked
• 1/3  cup granulated sugar
• 3-1/3  cups fat-free milk
• 2  eggs OR 1/2 cup egg substitute, lightly beaten
• 2  teaspoons vanilla
• 1/3  cup firmly packed brown sugar

Preparation

Heat oven to 350º F. Spray 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine oats and granulated sugar. In medium bowl, combine milk, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add to oat mixture; mix well. Pour into baking dish.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center jiggles slightly. Remove from oven to cooling rack.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over top of oatmeal. Using back of spoon, gently spread sugar into a thin layer across entire surface of oatmeal. Return to oven; bake just until sugar melts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set oven to broil. Broil 3 inches from heat until sugar bubbles and browns slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. (Watch carefully to prevent burning. It may be necessary to turn baking dish.) Spoon into bowls to serve.               ***You can add the fruit right into the mix-fresh blueberries are wonderful- try orange zest and dried cranberries- raisins-have fun! Garnish with fresh fruit- enjoy!

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
• Calories: 190  10% 
• Calories from Fat: 24 
• Total Fat: 2.5  4% 
• Saturated Fat: 0.5  3% 
• Trans Fat: 0 
• Cholesterol: 55  18% 
• Sodium: 65  3% 
• Total Carbohydrate: 36  12% 
• Dietary Fiber: 2  7% 
• Sugars: 21 
• Protein: 8  15% 
• Vitamin A: 269  6% 
• Vitamin C: 0  0% 
• Calcium: 151  15% 
• Iron: 2  8% 

Dietary Exchange

• starchbread:1
• meat:1/2 non-fat
• fruit:1