Accompanied story, “Not Enough Going on in the Kitchen,” published 4-12-2012

This recipe from www.healthguide.org, prepared in conjunction with the Harvard Medical School, is a healthy breakfast for seniors (or anyone, for that matter).

Apples are naturally sweet and have fiber and vitamin C. Cinnamon has many beneficial properties, including a mild anti-inflammatory effect, anti-microbial properties (helps stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi), and better blood sugar control. It’s also an excellent source of manganese and the smell can boost brain activity.

1/3 cup rolled oats (or steel-cut oats)

2/3 cup liquid for rolled oats (1 cup liquid for steel cut oats)

1/2 an apple cut into small pieces

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of salt

Add all ingredients to a small pot.

Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes (about 20 minutes for steel-cut oats).

Steel-cut oats are a much heartier cereal. They have more fiber and nutrients. They have a chewy texture and you will stay full longer when you eat steel cut oats.