Fruit & Spice Oatmeal

Perk up ordinary oatmeal with the tastes of fall—apple, honey, and a touch of spice. Yummy! :)

2 1/4 cups water
3/4 cup steel-cut oats
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large tart cooking apple, unpeeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup chopped dates or dried figs (optional- I love figs, but I know some people don't)
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1. In medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in oats and salt. Reduce heat; simmer gently 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in apple, dates, honey, pie spice and ginger. Cover and simmer over low heat 15 minutes longer or until oats are tender but still have a slight bite to them. Spoon into bowl.