Pan-Seared Oatmeal With Warm Fruit Compote and Cider Syrup

-NYTimes veg thanksgiving 2010

Ingredients
Syrup:

2 cups apple cider

-------------------------

Compote:

2 cups water

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (7-ounce) package dried mixed fruit bits

-------------------------

Oatmeal:

3 cups water

1 cup fat-free milk

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups steel-cut (Irish) oats

Cooking spray

1/4 cup butter, divided