A bowl of this creamy oatmeal sprinkled with dried fruits and nuts makes a warming and sustaining breakfast.

2½ cups cold water

1 cup rolled oats (not the quick-cooking kind)

¼ cup chopped dried fruit (like raisins, figs or apricots)

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons chopped nuts (such as walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds)

Cold milk and brown sugar or honey, to serve

COMBINE the water, oats, salt and cinnamon in a saucepan. BRING to the boil then reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until thick and creamy. SERVE in bowls with milk, a little brown sugar or honey, and sprinkled with the fruit and nuts.

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