Ultimate Oatmeal

This is morning comfort in a bowl! I guarantee you will not go back to your old ways of oatmeal making (that is if you don't already cook your oatmeal in this way). When I was head cook for a Christian camp (Tall Timber Ranch!) I would serve this to over 200 high school campers and I would rarely have any leftovers. This is not your average camp slop!

The following proportions will feed around 3-4 people.

2 3/4 cups water
1 1/2 cup extra thick rolled oatmeal (any mixed rolled grains work well (barley, rye ect..), but use at least half extra thick rolled oats)
1 small pear or apple peeled and cubed (this is optional, if you don't use the chopped pear or apple then increase your water to 3 cups)
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
raisins
craisins
chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons organic whole milk (or any milk of your choose)

Place the cubed apple or pear in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling turn off the heat (but do not remove the pot from the burner) and add the oatmeal. Let it sit. After about 20 minutes slightly stir the oatmeal. If there is still water remaining you can cover and let sit a few more minutes. Add the sugar, raisins, craisins, chopped walnuts and milk. Stir and serve. Another way of serving the oatmeal is to put all the "toppings" out on the counter and allow individuals to add what they want to their oatmeal. You can even include fresh berries, apple butter, maple syrup or anything you can think of! The key is in the "cooking" of the oatmeal. Enjoy!