Celebrate Oatmeal Month with warm goodness

Warm up a chilly morning by serving the family a great-tasting bowl of Creamy Maple Cranberry Oatmeal. Tangy dried cranberries and rich maple-flavored syrup add a new and tasty twist to this breakfast favorite. Not only does a touch of wheat germ stirred in just before serving add crunch and an extra nutritional boost, it perfectly complements the wholesome nutty flavor of oats making this a dish the whole family will love.

But taste isn’t the only reason Quaker Oats has been a family favorite for more than 130 years ‘ oats are also a good source of fiber. Research shows people who eat more fiber are more likely to have a healthy weight. Since fiber helps slow digestion, people feel full after an oatmeal breakfast and stay satisfied longer.

And remember, old fashioned oats, quick oats, steel cut oats and instant oatmeal are all whole grain oat products. Because all three parts of the grain remain after milling, they all provide the same nutrients in the same amounts. The only difference is how the grain is cut, steamed and rolled ‘ and this only affects cooking time and texture.

Think of oatmeal as your blank breakfast canvas and get creative with sweets and spices and flavorful fruits, nuts and crunchies! For additional recipe ideas and fun facts regarding Oatmeal Month, visit www.quakeroatmeal.com.

Creamy Maple Cranberry Oatmeal

3-1/2 cups skim or lowfat milk

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

1/3 cup maple-flavored syrup, regular or lite

2 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

1/4 cup toasted wheat germ

1. In medium saucepan, bring milk and salt to a gentle boil. (Watch carefully.) Stir in oats, cranberries and maple syrup. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Let stand until desired consistency. Stir in wheat germ.

2. Spoon oatmeal into four cereal bowls. Drizzle with additional syrup, if desired. Serve with milk or yogurt, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Microwave directions: In 3-quart microwaveable bowl, combine all ingredients except wheat germ. Microwave on HIGH 6 to 7 minutes for quick oats and 9 to 10 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of liquid is absorbed. Let stand until desired consistency. Stir in wheat germ.