Fruity Steel Cut Oats

Another one of our favorite breakfasts! The original recipe called for 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar, but I have never needed to put any brown sugar in at all as all the fruit and the 1/3 cup juice sweetens it quite nicely! And same as with the last recipe, if you don't want to take the time to toast the oats
(or don't want to add the butter), just skip the butter/toasting part, start with boiling the water, then add the oats and simmer.

1 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup steel cut oats
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/3 cup apple juice
1 ripe pear or 1 apple, peeled and cut into chunks
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup craisins (I love doing mostly golden raisins and some craisins)
1/4 cup pecans (optional)

In small sauce pan melt the butter and add the oats. Stir for about 2 minutes to toast. Add the boiling water and reduce heat. Simmer (uncovered) for 25 minutes. Stir in apple juice, apples, and craising/raisins and simmer for additional 10-15 minutes. If oats are desired softness, remove from heat, and allow to sit for a few minutes. Spoon into bowls and top with nuts (if desired).