“Oatmeal? Yuck!” was my normal response whenever Mama called us to the breakfast table and I found steaming but characterless oatmeal in my bowl. Couldn’t I please just have Cocoa Puffs, Kix, or Frosted Flakes? Was there anything more bland than a bowl of that gooey gray stuff? Even the sight of it was enough to make me gag. I’d rather have gone hungry all morning.

Today I eat oatmeal at least three times a week — not simply for its health benefits, but because my oatmeal concoctions are quite simply delicious! For sure I don’t make that lowly breakfast cereal the way my mama made it. My oatmeal is flavored with spices, fruits, nuts, butter, real maple syrup, even orange juice. It’s so tasty that my two little grandsons, Kellen and Ian, ask for second helpings on those rare occasions when their Mimi gets to cook for them.

One of my favorite oatmeal creations is Apple Dapple Oatmeal. Try it on a cold morning. It’s flavorful, satisfying and filling and so much healthier than junk food cereals, though it does require a few minutes to prepare. The following recipe is for one adult-sized serving. Adjust ingredient amounts and cooking times for additional servings.

Apple Dapple Oatmeal

Peel and thinly slice half of a large or 1 small apple into a microwavable cereal bowl. Pour about ¼ cup orange juice over apples. Add enough water to just barely cover the apples. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and allspice. Add a pinch of sea salt. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons real maple syrup. Microwave for 2-3 minutes or until apples are soft. Stir a little to combine flavors. Add a few raisins or dried cranberries to the bowl of cooked apples.

While the apples are cooking in the microwave, in another smaller, microwavable bowl, mix about ⅓ cup quick-cooking oats, a shake of cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt, 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon (more or less) Land O’ Lakes whipped butter. Mix with fork until crumbly. Place the oat mixture in the microwave and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove and blend again with fork. Heat another 10-15 seconds. Stir again. Pour the crumbly mixture over the cooked apples. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans and a teaspoon of wheat germ and ground flax seed. Now enjoy!

“Apple Dapple Oatmeal for breakfast? Mmmmmmmm.” A bowl of hot cereal even your kids will love.

Rosie Erskine Lamrhari, 60, is a teacher, traveler, writer and reader. She earned a master’s degree in English Education from East Carolina University in 1997 and has been teaching English as a Second Language ever since. Though a Hoosier by birth, Rosie considers herself a Tar Heel by choice and will always call North Carolina home.