1. Stone and roughly chop the dried dates.
2. Roughly chop the apple without peeling it.
3. Discard the core.
4. Melt the butter in a good-sized pan, stir in the bran and brown sugar.
5. Cook for two minutes stirring constantly.
6. Add water to the pan and then add the porridge oats.
7. Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring constantly.
8. Add dates and apples.
9. Allow the mixture to simmer for another five minutes. Serve hot.

Approx. 188 calories per portion