Creamy Oatmeal

I love oatmeal and the boys like oatmeal. However they really enjoy the dinosaur egg oatmeal that you buy in a box that has a trillion grams of sugar so I have been trying all different brews of oatmeal to get the one that they will eat and does not have all the sugar. Here it is . . .

1/4 cup dried apricots or craisans
2 cups skim milk
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup steel-cut Irish oats
2 cups water

Place apricots in a small bowl with hot water to cover, and let stand 5 minutes or until plump. Drain.

Cook milk, next 5 ingredients and 2 cups water in a heavy non aluminum saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, 5 - 6 minutes or until bubbles appear (do not boil). Remove from heat; remove cloves and cinnamon stick (I leave the stick in but remove cloves) and discard

Add 2 cups water and 1 cup of steel cut oats. Simmer for 20 - 35 minutes. Add dried fruit and sprinkle with a little cinnamon.

Serves 3 - 4

Fruit Dip

I took this last night to Bunco and everyone seemed to enjoy. This is one when I make it people always want the recipe. Good old Lion House cookbook.

Fruit Dip
Block of cream cheese (I use light)
Bottle of marshmellow creme
2 Tbsp orange juice concentrate
1 tsp minced ginger (optional) I like it and use it straight from the bottle!!

Mix it all, chill and serve with fruit.