Add some oomph to your morning bowl of oatmeal with some wheat bran and dried cranberries. A touch of brown sugar ensures it doesn’t taste too healthy.

Makes 2 servings, 1 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
1/2 cup dried cranberries or currants
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup water
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup unprocessed wheat bran
Sliced fresh plums, pears, apples or bananas for garnish

Combine milk, cranberries (or currants), brown sugar, salt and water; heat until almost boiling. Stir in oats and bran and cook, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal starts to thicken, about 1 minute. Cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand until the oatmeal is creamy and has absorbed most of the liquid. Divide between 2 bowls, garnish with fruit and serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 304 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 2 mg cholesterol; 69 g carbohydrate; 9 g protein; 8 g fiber; 146 mg sodium; 348 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Magnesium (23% daily value), Calcium (19% dv), Iron (17% dv).
4 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 1/2 fruit, 1 other carbohydrate, 1/2 nonfat milk