Oatmeal and apples

Oatmeal and Apples

Oatmeal and Apples is a simple yet delicious breakfast option that combines the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness and tartness of apples. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s nutritious and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. Perfect for chilly mornings!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 2 cups milk or water (for a creamier texture, use milk)

• 1 medium apple (such as Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey, maple syrup, to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• Toppings (optional): Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds), raisins, chia seeds, yogurt, or extra cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

   • Peel, core, and chop the apple into small cubes. You can leave the skin on for added fiber if you like.

   • If you prefer a softer apple texture, you can sauté the apples first. In a small pan, cook the chopped apples over medium heat with a drizzle of honey or butter until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. If you want a little crunch, you can skip this step and add the raw apples directly to the oatmeal.

2. Cook the Oats:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring the milk (or water) to a gentle boil over medium heat.

   • Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.

   • Reduce the heat and let the oats simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like your oats creamier, you can cook them a little longer and add more milk to reach your desired consistency.

3. Add the Apples:

   • While the oatmeal is cooking, add the chopped apples to the saucepan (if you didn’t sauté them beforehand). Stir them in and continue to cook the oats for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and release their natural sweetness into the oatmeal.

4. Sweeten and Flavor:

   • Stir in the brown sugar (or sweetener of your choice) and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.

5. Serve:

   • Once the oatmeal is cooked and the apples are tender, remove the pan from the heat.

   • Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with additional toppings like chopped nuts, extra cinnamon, raisins, or even a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.

Tips:

• Apple Variety: Choose your apple based on your desired flavor. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala pair well with the cinnamon, while tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast.

• Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.

• Extra Flavor: For more depth of flavor, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of maple syrup. You can also add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for extra creaminess and protein.

• Overnight Oats Option: If you want to prepare this ahead of time, you can make overnight oats by mixing the oats, milk, and chopped apples in a jar and letting them sit overnight in the fridge. In the morning, just heat and enjoy!

This Oatmeal and Apples recipe is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to start your day! The combination of tender oats and sweet apples makes for a satisfying breakfast that will keep you full for hours.