Boil twice as many cups of water as cups of oatmeal you're wanting to make. In other words, ratio of water to oatmeal is 2:1; 2 cups water for every one cup of oatmeal . Add salt to boiling water, then add oatmeal, cook on low for 1 minute. Take off stove, cover and let sit for 3 minutes.
Add raisins (optional dates) and brown sugar individually to bowls. Apple can be chopped and added to oatmeal, or eaten as a whole piece of fruit.