Oats are good for you, but did you know that steel cut oats are nutritionally superior to the rolled oats that Americans find more commonly on their grocery shelves? They both come from the same plant but processing methods differentiate them. Rolled (also known as instant or quick) oats are steamed and rolled for faster cooking. Steel cut oats are not cooked and the whole grain kernels are sliced by blades into thin pieces; they take a little longer to cook but are well worth the wait. Steel cut oats produce a heartier, chewier texture than the rolled variety.

Steel cut oats are nutritious; they contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. A scant one-quarter cup of dry oats fortifies you with thiamin (B1); riboflavin (B2); niacin (B3); calcium; iron; 7 grams of protein, including small amounts of essential amino acids; and 5 grams of fiber, including 2 grams of insoluble fiber which improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

I have a wonderful recipe for you to try. It's creamy, comfort food on a cold winter morning.

Creme Brulee Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steel cut oats

3 1/2 cups boiling water

1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4- 1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan and stir with oats for 2 minutes.

2. Add boiling water, salt and apple. Keep at a low simmer for 25 minutes without stirring.

3. Stir in milk and cook for 10 more minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and cinnamon.

5. Sprinkle oatmeal with brown sugar to taste. Spoon oatmeal into ovenproof bowls and place under broiler 2 to 3 minutes. I recommend using your oven light to be sure the sugar doesn't burn.