For those who grew up on instant, microwavable oatmeal packets, I feel obliged to tell you that you’re missing out! Oatmeal was one of my favorite breakfast foods as a kid, and my mother always used the real Quaker oats, butter, a splash of milk, sugar and cinnamon. Now that I’m older, I love to mix up my oatmeal to see what delicious variations I can create. This recipe is one that I came up with on a Sunday morning when I had a big bowl of Honeycrisp apples and felt like doing something different. I have made it a few times since then, and I promise you that it is one of the tastiest and most satisfying bowls of oatmeal you have ever had!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Brown Sugar
(This recipe makes 1 serving, but can be multiplied easily for the whole family)
- 1/2 Honeycrisp apple, diced into 1/2″ cubes*
- 1 Tbs unsalted butter
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground cloves
- 2 Tbs, packed, brown sugar
- 1/2 C Oatmeal**
- 1 C water
*No need to peel the apple, the peel adds a nice texture and contains nutritious pectin, flavonoids, antioxidants and fiber– all good for you!
**I prefer the Old Fashioned Oats, with a 5 minute cooking time. You may use your favorite oatmeal!
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat, and melt the butter. Add the diced apple and a pinch of salt. Saute for 5 minutes or until apple begins to soften.
Add cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar. Stir continuously for 3 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved into a caramel. Reserve the apple mixture in a bowl for later.
In the same pan, (no need to rinse), add water and bring to a boil. Cook your oats according to the package directions. For Old Fashioned oats: add oats to boiling water and reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, uncovered.
When your oatmeal is cooked, stir in the apple and caramel mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon for garnish, and enjoy!
Please let me know what you think of this recipe by commenting below!
