Oats with Plumped Dried Plums and Limes

• 1 c. steel-cut oats
• 3 cups water
• 3/4 c. milk (cow's, oat, or nut), plus more as needed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• fine sea salt
• 1 cup pitted dried plums
• 1/2 c. prune juice or water
• 3/4 c. full-fat plain yogurt
• 1 or 2 limes, zested and quartered

Combine the oats, water, milk, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a rapid simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.  Gently simmer until the oats are just tender, stirring occasionally, 25-30 minutes.  Stir in additional milk, if desired, to thin to the consistency you prefer.  Simmer for 5 minutes more.  Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.

Meanwhile, combine the dried plums and prune juice in a shallow pan over medium heat.  Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low.  Gently simmer until the plums are soft and plump and the juices are slightly thickened, 8-12 minutes.  Remove from the heat and set aside, reserving the plums in their juices.

Divide the oats among bowls.  Spoon the plumped plums over the top of your oats.  Top with a dollop or two of yogurt.  Sprinkle with lime zest and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.  Serve warm.

Serves 4.

VERDICT:  OK, but not worth the considerable time for breakfast.  Toss.