apple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins + pecans

Do you remember as a kid those apple cinnamon quaker oats packets? You know - the ones with the little freeze dried apples and sweet sugary cinnamon goodness? Instant breakfast bliss was just a cup of boiling water away.

Well, here’s my spin on that childhood classic. It’s not as instant - but I promise the added time will be well worth the wait. (and who doesn’t love filling their home with the heavenly aromas of apples and cinnamon…)

So hop to it and start your day with a little (or should we say a lot) more sustenance than the instant stuff. Your insulin levels will thank you.

SERVINGS : 2
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp ghee (or your choice of cooking fat - olive oil, avocado oil, butter, etc)

1/2 cup old fashioned oats (not quick cooking)

2 cups water

1/2 cup nut milk of choice (I use homemade hazelnut milk. You can also use real milk if dairy suits you!)

1 cinnamon stick (if you don’t have - use 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)

1 small apple, diced into smaller cubes (I used a pink lady apple here. They are my favorite)

2 tbsp golden raisins (optional. you can also use Thompsons raisins here too)

1/4 tsp salt

toppings: chopped nuts, maple syrup, dash of cinnamon, dash of milk

DIRECTIONS:

Add ghee to a medium sized pot. Melt on low heat, then add oats and cinnamon stick and saute until ghee is absorbed and the oats are slightly toasted. Do not let them burn.

Add water to pot (make sure to do this before you add the milk as adding milk directly to a hot dry pan will screw with the texture and flavor of the milk)

Add milk to pot.

Add apples, raisins, and salt to pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes - take off lid and allow to to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring ever so often to make sure the oats do not start sticking to bottom and burning.

After 10 minutes simmering without top - (or once the consistency of the oats resemble the oatmeal you know and love - they should be thick and fluffy) - remove from heat and pour into bowls.

Top with maple syrup, chopped nuts, a dash of cinnamon and a quick pour of your milk (I also like to add a dash of salt- it helps bring out the flavors)

Enjoy!