Irish Oatmeal

1 cup irish oats
4 ¼ cups water
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup dried blueberries/currants/other fruit (optional)
fresh fruit, maple syrup and/or butter, for serving

Combine oats and water in medium saucepan and bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Once 30-40 minutes of total cooking time has elapsed, you need to watch the oatmeal, stirring occasionally for the next 5-10 minutes. Add the salt, vanilla and dried fruit, if using, and remove from the heat when the oatmeal has reached the consistency that you like (thinner or thicker); 10 minutes should yield an oatmeal of medium thickness. If you like yours very thick, continue cooking for an extra five minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Top with butter, syrup and/or fresh fruit. Serves 4.