Raisin 'N Orange Oat Bran Cereal

This oat bran cereal swaps half the cooking water for orange juice, which changes everything. Instead of plain, bland porridge, you get a bright, citrusy bowl with natural sweetness that means you need less (or no) added sugar. The raisins plump up as the cereal thickens, adding chewy pockets of concentrated fruit.

The whole thing cooks in about a minute on the stovetop after it comes to a boil, or two and a half minutes in the microwave. Either way, this is a five-minute breakfast with serious fiber content from the oat bran.

A dash of cinnamon ties the orange and raisin flavors together and makes the kitchen smell like a bakery. Let the cereal stand for a minute after cooking to thicken to your preferred consistency.

Kitchen Tips

• Use fresh orange juice if you can. The flavor is noticeably brighter than reconstituted juice from concentrate.
• Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent lumps and sticking on the bottom. Oat bran thickens fast.
• For the microwave method, use a bowl larger than you think you need. Oat bran bubbles up and can overflow a small bowl.
• Adjust consistency with a splash of milk after cooking if it gets too thick.

Variations

• Replace orange juice with apple juice and swap raisins for dried cranberries for an autumn-flavored version.
• Stir in a tablespoon of nut butter after cooking for added protein and richness.
• Top with sliced banana and a drizzle of honey for a more substantial breakfast bowl.