"I was inspired by the news that chocolate can be good for you," wrote reader Jennifer Sanders of Cambridge, Ontario. "Why not eat it for breakfast?" She shared her recipe for this heart-warming chocolaty hot cereal. If you are looking for a way to get your kids to start their day with a bowl of oatmeal, this is it. The microwave is convenient, but you can also cook the oatmeal on the stovetop following package directions. Top the cereal with milk or soymilk and sweeten with brown sugar or no-calorie sweetener, if desired.

Makes 4 servings, 1/2 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/4 cup chopped pitted dates (10-12 dates)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons cocoa
Pinch of salt
2 cups water

Combine dates, oats, cocoa and salt in a 1-quart microwavable container. Slowly stir in the water. Partially cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on Medium for 4 or 5 minutes, then stir. Microwave on Medium again for 3 or 4 minutes, then stir. Continue cooking and stirring until the cereal is creamy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 142 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber; 40 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Fiber (16% daily value).

2 Carbohydrate Servings

TIP: Note: The cooking times will vary considerably depending on the power of your microwave. New microwaves tend to cook much faster than older models.

I did not use this recipe. A study was done that says microwaves destroy a food's nutrients. Is there a recipe for stovetop?

Anonymous, Temple Hills, MD

I have not made this recipe, but I want to know if it is made with unsweetened or sweetened cocoa powder.

Anonymous, Sebstopol, CA

Where did you hear that microwaves destroy the nutrients in foods???

Anonymous

I tried this and found it very good. I like oatmeal and it can get boring with just milk and sugar--I like brown sugar. So I'm very eager to try this, and the dates are a change from raisins. YumO

LaRue, Charleston, WV

try this in the slow cooker on low for 5 hours - excellent for those of us who don't have time to make breakfast in the morning.

Thelma, Brandon, MB

This was very good. It was like eating warm pudding. It would be a great snack in the afternoons if you want something chocolate.

Summer L., Beaumont, TX

This is made with unsweetened cocoa powder, but I found that the dates made it sweet enough. This was really good and packed with nutrients from the dates, oatmeal, and cocoa!

Jess, Knoxville, TN