All Seasons Lentil Oatmeal

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Total time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

· 1 ¾ cups red lentils, dry

· 1 1/3 cups water

· 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

· 2/3 cup brown sugar

· 4 teaspoons cinnamon

· 2 teaspoon allspice

· ½ teaspoon ground cloves

· ½ teaspoon nutmeg

· 1/8 teaspoon salt

· 2/3 cup oats

· 1 ½ cups skim milk

· 1 tablespoon margarine or unsalted butter

· 4 medium apples, peeled and chopped

· ½ cup almonds, slivered

Directions:

1. Combine red lentils, water, vanilla extract, half of brown sugar and half of spices in a pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are cooked (8-12 mins cook time).

2. Add oats and skim milk. Cook until oatmeal consistency is achieved.

3. Heat margarine or butter in pan over medium-low heat. Add apples. Cook until softened.

4. Add almonds and remaining half of spices to apple mixture. Cook over medium heat until almonds are toasted and apples are lightly browned.

5. Add remaining half of brown sugar to apple mixture. Cook until sugar dissolves.

6. Combine oatmeal mixture with apple mixture. Serve hot