Maple-Hazelnut Brûléed Oatmeal

(recipe from Inn Cuisine)

• 3 cups prepared oatmeal (quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats prepared according to package instructions)
• 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons hazelnut flavored Coffee-mate creamer
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 4 standard ramekins
• light brown sugar, to garnish and create a brûléed topping

Spray four (4) standard-size ramekins with non-stick cooking spray; set aside. Prepare 3 cups of oatmeal (quick cooking or old fashioned) according to package instructions.

To prepared oatmeal, stir in maple syrup and hazelnut flavored Coffee-mate creamer, stirring until thoroughly combined. Add toasted walnuts and stir to combine. Spoon approximately 3/4 cup maple-hazelnut oatmeal (per standard ramekin) into prepared ramekins. Top each serving with a few pinches of light brown sugar as desired. Place ramekins under broiler for approximately 40 seconds to 1 minute (slightly more or less, depending on your oven), watching carefully—when brown sugar just begins to melt and caramelize, brûléed topping is ready (topping should be caramel colored, as pictured above). Remove ramekins from oven using mitts, plate and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 individual servings (may double or halve this recipe as needed)