*Hearty Oatmeal with Apricots, Almonds, Coconut & Ginger*

My penchant for "Kind" brand energy bars was the inspiration for this oatmeal. I took the ingredients from my favorite type and incorporated them into this amazing oatmeal. This is easy and quick to make, perfect for a weekday breakfast. (Prep the apricots and measure out all of the ingredients while you clean up after dinner the night before to make it super-fast!) You'll power through the morning! Serves 2

1/4 cup chopped almonds (sliced or slivered may be substituted, but give them a rough chop)

2 teaspoons coconut oil

1 3/4 cups water or almond milk

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

8 dried apricots, sliced thin

2 teaspoons crystallized ginger, chopped fine (fresh, grated may be substituted, more honey will be required at the end)

1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal

1/3 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

Honey, to taste

In a medium saucepan melt the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the almonds and cook until they just start to brown a bit. Remove from the heat and carefully and slowly add the water or almond milk. Return to the heat, add the salt, apricots and ginger and bring to a boil. Add the oatmeal, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and it has thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut. Add honey to taste and serve.