Feeling like a good fairy

I just posted this over on chowhound.com:

I'm a big fan of toasting oatmeal, so here's my contribution. this one's been a staple in our house, especially with a young one. You can save it for a couple of days and reheat it with milk, too.

vanillagrrl's party oatmeal

In a generous saucepan, toast over medium heat:
1 cup of scottish steel cut oats in
1 Tablespoon of butter (according to cook's mag, until it "smells like butterscotch").

Stir almost continuously until the grains begin browning (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in:

3 cups water (or a little less for thicker oatmeal)
1 cup milk (low or wholefat)
2 handfuls (or 1/3 cup) dried sweetened cranberries
1 small handful (or 2 Tbsp.) packed brown sugar (optional -- the cranberries will sweeten it, too)
cinnamon to taste

Whisk or stir for the preferred result (longer for smoother porridge, less for lumps if you prefer that sort of thing) as you bring the mixture back to a boil.

Cook for 15 minutes over low heat, covered, stirring once or twice to make sure the pan doesn't scorch.

Add salt to taste.

Cook for 5 minutes more.

Serve with toasted hazelnuts.

Serves 6.