Ingredients
3-3/4 cups water, divided 1/4 teaspoon salt2 cups old-fashioned oats1/4 cup toasted wheat germ1/2 cup baking cocoa1/3 cup sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 cup dried cherries plus additional cherriesMiniature semisweet chocolate chips, optional Sweetened whipped cream, optional
Preparation
In a large saucepan, bring 3-1/4 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Stir in oats and wheat germ; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine cocoa, sugar, vanilla and remaining 1/2 cup water; stir until smooth. Add chocolate mixture and cherries to oats; stir until well combined and heated through. Serve topped with additional cherries and, if desired, miniature chocolate chips and sweetened whipped cream.
