fruit & nut freezer oatmeal cups

serves:  12

ingredients:
5 c water
1/2 tsp salt
2 c regular rolled oats
1/3 c brown sugar
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 c dried fruit
1 c fresh berries
1/2 c toasted nuts
milk (optional)


directions:
1.  in a medium saucepan bing the water and salt to boiling; stir in oats.  cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  (mixture will be thin but thickens as it cools.)  remove from heat.  stir in brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.  transfer to a bowl.  cover and chill until cool.  stir in dried fruit. 

2.  grease twelve 2 1/2 inch muffin cups.  mound about 1/2 c. oatmeal into each prepared muffin cup.  sprinkle with berries and nuts; press lightly.  cover; freeze 6 hours.  let stand at room temperature 5 minutes.  transfer frozen oatmeal cups to freezer bags or airtight containers.  freeze up to 3 months. 

3.  to serve, in a small bowl microwave one frozen oatmeal cut at a time, covered, 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring once.  stir again before serving, and add milk if desired.