Oatmeal Brulee with Ginger Cream

Prep : 30 minutes   Broil : 10 minutes    Makes 4 servings

Ginger Cream :
1/2                    cup heavy whipping cream
2                       slices fresh gingeroot
1                       cinnamon stick  (3-inches)
1                       tablespoon grated orange peel
3                       tablespoons maple syrup 
1/8                    teaspoon ground nutmeg 
Oatmeal :
4                       cups water 
2                       cups old-fashioned oats
1/4                    cup chopped dried apricots 
1/4                    cup dried cherries , chopped 
1/2                    teaspoon salt 
3                       tablespoons  brown sugar 
2                       tablespoons  butter , softened 
1                       cup fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries  , thawed 
1/4                    cup sugar 

1 .          In a small  saucepan , combine  the cream , ginger , cinnoman stick and orange peel  ; bring to a boil . Reduce heat ; simmer  covered  for 10 minutes  . Remove from the heat ; strain and discard solids  . Stir syrup  and nutmeg  into cream mixture  .
2 .          In a large saucepan , bring water to boil  ; stir in the oats , apricots  , cherries and salt . Reduce heat  to medium  ; cook for 5 minutes , stirring occasionally . Remove from the heat  ; stir in brown suger  and 1/4 cup ginger cream . Let stand covered  for 2 minutes .
3 .         Greased four 10-ounce broiler-safe ramekins with butter ; place on a baking sheet  . Divide raspberries  among the ramekins  . Spoon oatmeal over raspberries  ; sprinkle  evenly with sugar  . Broil 4-6 inches from heat  for 7 to 9 minutes  or until sugar  is carmelized . Serve with remaining ginger cream .

Chase away  chilly mornings with this warm and fruity oatmeal  made special  with a crackling caramelized  sugar top . Everyone loves the raspberry surprise at the bottom .