Combine the first three ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix well. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and leave on the counter overnight at room temperature. It needs to soak for 8 to 24 hours.

You want to make sure that the oats are just covered by the water mixture.

When you are ready to make the oatmeal, put 1 cup of milk or water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. While the milk is heating I drain and rinse the oats.

Some people prefer to cook the oats without rinsing them, but I like to drain and rinse mine quickly. It removes most of the sour flavor from the soaking liquid, and gives it a creamier texture.

If I’m using raisins, I add them to the milk as it’s heating to soften them up.

When the milk comes to a boil, add the oats, 2 tsp of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. And just maybe a splash of homemade vanilla extract.

Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s the consistency you like.

It doesn’t take very long to cook at all. Add some butter and the sweetener of your choice and serve.

Since I am the only one who eats it here, I actually just use 1/4 cup of oats and reduce the other ingredients accordingly.

I’ve made it plain and with raisins and cinnamon.

I think next time I may chop up part of an apple and some pecans and add that in with the cinnamon.

Just as a side note, if you are using nuts or seeds, you should add them to the oats and soak them as well.