Fragrant Oatmeal Topped with Spiced Apples

I love oatmeal. It’s probably my favorite breakfast dish. I’m always trying to find ways to entice the kids to eat the homemade version as opposed to the kind that comes in a little packet. They LOVED this. If you don’t like your oatmeal too “milky”, you can always substitute water for the milk. I prefer that my oatmeal isn’t too sugary but you can add more honey if you like yours fairly sweet. Also, you can substitute the apples with a good baking pear such as Bosc if you’d like.

Ingredients:

• 1 c milk
• 1/2 to 1 c water (less water equals a thicker oatmeal)
• 1 c rolled oats
• A pinch of kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 baking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, etc.)
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar (I didn’t pack mine down too tightly.)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• Optional: toasted walnut pieces

Directions:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring your milk, water and salt to a boil. Stir in your oats and vanilla. Reduce heat and let simmer on very low heat 5-15 minutes depending on the consistency that you like your cereal. Stirring occasionally. Once it’s done cooking, stir in your honey, remove from heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large non-stick pan, melt your butter. Add your apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Saute, stirring occasionally, until your apples are tender, about 5 minutes.

Spoon your oatmeal evenly into four bowls. Top with your cinnamon apples and sprinkle with walnuts, if desired. Enjoy….

Yield: 4 small bowls of oatmeal or two large ones