Hot Oat and Quinoa Cereal

Bring 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as goji berries, cranberries, or barberries), 1/2 cup steel-cut oats, 1/2 cup well-rinsed quinoa, 1/4 cup raisins, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom, and 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover and let sit off heat overnight. (Alternatively, bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grains are tender, 20-25 minutes.)

Before serving, reheat cereal in saucepan, covered, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed, until warmed through, 5-8 minutes. Serve with milk, maple syrup, toasted shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and toasted walnuts.

The ratio of grains to water is the only part that's not ripe for riffs:

Fruits--Swap in chopped dried apricots for the dried fruit, or top with grated apple in fall, fresh peaches in summer.

Grains--Instead of quinoa, use semi-pearled barley for a chunkier texture. 

Nuts and Seeds--Crunch is a must. Try sliced almonds or hemp seeds.

4 servings; 180 calories.

VERDICT:  This could not have been easier, and used up little bits of steel-cut oats and quinoa we had lying around.  Keep!