When family was recently visiting, I noticed that my dad was including prunes in his diet. I’ve always associated them with digestive health, but apparently they’re more versatile than that. This article also links them to bone and heart health. I can enjoy a prune out of the bag just fine, but eating a recommended amount can be a chore (somewhere I read 5-8 prunes, while the site just referenced recommends 2 ounces). If only the date bars we used to get at the May Day Cafe in Minneapolis could be considered breakfast. They’re ridiculously good. Somewhat inspired by this, I came up with another version of my “fancy oatmeal”. While this is cooking, you will think that someone is baking cookies. If you are like me and like to eat breakfast for dinner, this works for that. It’s also a decent choice when you’re feeling tempted by junk food. It can satisfy some of those cravings.
- ½ c oatmeal (not instant)
- 1 c water
- ⅛ tsp ginger, ground
- ¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 6 prunes, chopped
- Milk
- Walnuts, chopped
- Maple syrup
- In a large microwavable cereal bowl, combine oatmeal and water.
- Microwave for 2 minutes.
- Stir in ginger, cinnamon (I just eyeball the spices), vanilla and prunes.
- Let the above stand covered for a few minutes.
- Stir in a splash of milk and microwave for another minute or two.
- Top with walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup.
- If you are microwave adverse, this could be made on the stove just as easily.