Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups water (or milk for creamier oatmeal)
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon butter (or a splash of oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste; can substitute with maple syrup or honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch, such as walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh fruit or yogurt for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apple into small cubes. The size of the cubes can be adjusted according to your preference—smaller pieces will cook faster and integrate more into the oatmeal, while larger pieces will provide more texture.

Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples to the pan. Sauté the apples for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to soften and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer a lower-fat option, you can skip the butter and use a small amount of oil or simply cook the apples without any added fat.

Add Sugar and Spices: Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt over the cooked apples. Stir well to coat the apples with the sugar and spices. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and form a syrupy coating on the apples.

Cook the Oats: Add the rolled oats to the saucepan with the apples and stir to combine. Pour in the water (or milk) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the oatmeal simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If you prefer a creamier oatmeal, you can add a bit more milk or water during the cooking process.

Incorporate Optional Ingredients: If you’re using raisins, add them to the saucepan during the last 2 minutes of cooking. They will plump up and add additional sweetness to the oatmeal. You can also stir in chopped nuts at this stage for added texture and crunch. For an extra layer of flavor, add vanilla extract just before serving.

Adjust Consistency: If the oatmeal is too thick, stir in a little more water or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer to thicken.

Serve: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with your choice of fresh fruit, additional nuts, or a dollop of yogurt. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon can be added for additional flavor if desired.

Storage: Leftover oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen it if necessary.

Tips:

Apple Varieties: Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results. They hold their shape well during cooking.

Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If using sweeter apples, you might need less sugar.

Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and skip the butter to make the oatmeal vegan.

Enjoy your warm, comforting apple cinnamon oatmeal—perfect for a cozy breakfast or a satisfying snack!

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