In a large sauce pot, over medium heat, bring the water, milk, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, cranberries, raisins, and option clove/allspice to a light boil.
Once the mixture boils stir in the oatmeal and apples. Turn the heat down to low. Let the oatmeal cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla.
Serve immediately with extra milk, brown sugar, and honey on the side.
Storing & reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will congeal in the fridge!
To reheat place on the stove top over medium low heat. Add some milk to reconstitute.
Keep on the heat stirring occasionally until heated through, about 4-5 minutes.
Notes
VARIATION IDEAS:
Switch up the dried fruit that you add: dried apricots, dried cherries, and/or dried blueberries would all be delicious.
To make the oatmeal a little creamier use half and half instead of 2% milk.
Stir fresh cut bananas in right before serving for an extra flavor.
Try different nuts like pepitas, walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.