Porridge fingers

2 tbsp oats (not instant oat cereal, which is powdery, nor jumbo oats)

2 tbsp milk (cows' milk, breast milk or formula)

Mix the oats and milk together on the plate. Form the mixture into an approximate rectangle with the back of a spoon.

Place in the microwave, uncovered, and cook for 1 and a half minutes. (This is for a 900W microwave - it might take longer in lower wattage models.)

Leave for a few minutes to cool down and firm up, then cut into three toast soldier-sized pieces.

The time they take too cook depends on your microwave and the dish you're cooking them in. If they turn out too sloppy or too rubbery to start with you just need to experiment.

Try adding dried fruit such as sultanas, raisins, chopped apricot or chopped prune.

To make apple and cinnamon fingers, grate a quarter of apple into the mixture and add a pinch of cinnamon. After microwaving for 90 seconds, turn over with a fish slice and cook for an extra 30 seconds.

For banana porridge fingers, add half a small mashed banana, cook for 90 seconds, turn over and cook for 30 more.