Starting your day with a bowlful of this flavorful oatmeal will make any day a special occasion.

Banana-Orange Date Oatmeal

2 cups orange juice
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
3/4 cup chopped dates or raisins or a combination of both
1 ripe banana, diced

Chopped nuts, preferably roasted* for accompaniment (optional)

Milk for accompaniment (optional)

Brown sugar, sugar, honey for accompaniment (optional)

1. In medium saucepan, bring orange juice, water, salt and nutmeg to a boil. Stir in oats and dates.
2. Return to a boil; reduce heat.
3. Cook 1 minute for quick oats or 5 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in banana.
5. Let stand until of desired consistency.
6. Serve topped with milk and sweetened as desired.

Makes 5 servings.

*Before cooking oatmeal, pan-roast the nuts over medium heat, stirring constantly, until nuts are fragrant and lightly brown. Set aside until ready to use.

Nutritional Facts Per Serving (1 cup, does not include accompaniments): Calories 230, Calories From Fat 20, Total Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 5mg, Total Carbohydrates 49g, Dietary Fiber 4g, Protein 5g, Total Sugars 29g.