I use whole oats, soaked overnight in boiling water. If I use 1/2 cup oats, then I put 1/2 cup boiling water, cover and leave it overnight. Then in the morning, I put in about 1/2 cup full cream milk, zap in the microwave for about 1 1/2mins, than add what ever you want, I usally put in some brown sugar or honey with a banana. Yummeee!