Steel-Cut Oats with Bananas and Strawberries (or blueberries)

One of Josie's and my favorite breakfasts! I halve this for the two of us, and usually have a little extra.

1 tbsp unsalted butter *
1 cup steel-cut oats
3 cups water
1 cup whole milk (I use my 1%)
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 ripe banana, sliced
2 cups strawberries (or I think it's even better with blueberries!)

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add the oats and toast, while stirring, until they smell nice and nutty, about 3 minutes. Add the water, milk, brown sugar and salt. Turn up the heat, bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Remove the lid and stir in the banana. Cover again and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring on occasion, until the oats are soft and creamy. Stir in the berries right before serving.

*Note: if you don't want to add the butter, or if you don't want to have to take the time to toast the oats, just start by boiling the water and milk, then adding the oats, brown sugar and salt, then turning it down to simmer.