Chilled Strawberry-Date Oatmeal

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, bring the milk and dates to a simmer.

2. 2

   Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the skin loosens from the dates.

3. 3

   Strain the dates from the milk and chill the milk in the refrigerator or over the top of an ice bath until well-chilled.

4. 4

   Let the dates cool until they can be handled, and then peel the skin off.

5. 5

   With a sharp knife, cut each date into 6 pieces and set aside.

6. 6

   In a medium mixing bowl and with a wire whisk, stir the cold milk into the oats (a to separate the oats and keep them from lumping together).

7. 7

   Add in the vanilla and chill the mixture.

8. 8

   Combine the sliced strawberries and the reserved dates in a bowl and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

9. 9

   To serve, ladle 3 ounces of the oat mixture into a chilled cereal bowl and top with 2 tablespoons of the strawberry-date mixture.

10. 10

    Sprinkle half of the toasted nuts on each.

11. 11

    The oat mixture will last 3 to 4 days, covered, in the refrigerator.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.