PAN-SEARED OATMEAL WITH WARM FRUIT COMPOTE AND CIDER SYRUP

Steps:

• Syrup: 2 cups apple cider ------------------------- Compote: 2 cups water 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (7-ounce) package dried mixed fruit bits ------------------------- Oatmeal: 3 cups water 1 cup fat-free milk 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups steel-cut (Irish) oats Cooking spray 1/4 cup butter, divided Preparation 1. To prepare syrup, bring cider to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 20 minutes); set aside. 2. To prepare compote, combine 2 cups water, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and dried fruit in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick. 3. To prepare oatmeal, combine 3 cups water, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; stir in oats. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. 4. Spoon oatmeal into an 11 by 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; cool to room temperature. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or until set. Using a sharp knife, cut oatmeal into 8 equal rectangles; cut each rectangle in half diagonally to form 16 triangles. 5. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oatmeal triangles; cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and oatmeal triangles. Place 2 oatmeal triangles on each of 8 plates, and top each serving with 3 1/2 tablespoons fruit compote and about 2 teaspoons syrup. Yield: 8 servings. Nutritional information per serving: calories: 314 (23 percent from fat); fat: 7.9 grams (saturated 3.9 grams, monounsaturated 2.3 grams, polyunsaturated 0.9 grams); protein: 5.8 grams; carbohydrate: 58.7 grams; fiber: 2.8 grams;