Stewed Fig and Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal

What you'll need:

For the Stewed Figs
• 8-10 fresh black figs
• 1/4 cup water
• splash of orange or lemon juice
• pinch of salt
• maple syrup (optional, I omitted)
For the Oatmeal
• 2 cups milk of choice
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium apple (I used Fuji)
• 1 cup steel-cut oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt

How to make it:

1. Slice figs into quarters or smaller. Add to a small saucepan with the other ingredients. Set over medium low heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it dries up too much (it shouldn't), add a bit of water at a time.
2. Meanwhile, add milk and water to a larger saucepan and set over medium heat.
3. You have three options: dice your apple, grate it, or a combination of the two (which is what I did). To do a combination, cut the apple in half. Dice one half and grate the other--perfection!
4. Add the apples to the saucepan. Once the liquid comes to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to a simmer. (If you'd like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
5. Allow to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally (and checking on your figs, if you're doing them at the same time). Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir.
6. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal (it will take approximately 20-30 minutes), transfer to a bowl. Add a splash of your milk of choice, top with stewed figs, and throw on any other additional toppings (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.). I thought it went well with honey and walnuts.