Oatmeal Pudding ... or ... Oatmeal-That-Even-Oatmeal-Haters-Will-Eat

It’s true. Here, at last, is a way to make oatmeal that will be not only be willingly eaten but even liked by kids and even by those people (such as the OC) who had to eat so much slimy gray oatmeal as children that they promised themselves that, once they grew up, they'd never, ever, ever eat oatmeal again as long as they lived. This recipe makes oatmeal is not slimy and not gray and does not even taste like cardboard!

Ready? Get out a sauce pan and bring to a boil:

4 1/2 cups of water

Generous 1/2 cup raisins

1/3 - 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (turn the water tan with the real stuff)

Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt

Once it's boiling, stir in 2 cups old-fashioned oats. Not instant or "quick". This is very important.

Boil (uncovered) gently for 5 minutes (set a timer), stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in flavoring. I like to use about 1/2 teaspoon (or even a little more) of a mixture of almond and (real) vanilla (one part almond to 3-4 parts vanilla). I've also occasionally added a light sprinkle of cinnamon, as well.

Cover and let stand at least five minutes. Then stir again. It can be eaten hot with or without milk, or left to stand a bit longer and eaten warm but our absolute most favorite way to eat Oatmeal Pudding is straight from the refrigerator as a dessert. Well, that's how the OC likes it. I like to pour some vanilla soy milk over it first...if he hasn't beat me to it and eaten it all up first...