Apple Pie Oatmeal

As with the Banana Bread Oatmeal, it's a little shocking that it took me so long to post such a basic, fundamental recipe. I guess I was in no hurry to post these classic recipes because they're already in abundance. Search "apple pie oatmeal" on Pinterest and you'll have an overwhelming supply of options to choose from.

Despite this, it felt wrong to host a blog dedicated to oatmeal without including this simple recipe, so here's my version. It is very similar to my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, but uses apple pie spice instead of just cinnamon. You can buy this in a supermarket, but I made my own blend using this recipe. If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you could use that as well; they're very similar.

Finally, I think this oatmeal is best when you dice the apples up into tiny chunks (not the bigger chunks I usually use). I had this revelation after I took these pictures, so I can't give you a visual image. Just make them smaller than the ones in the picture! ;)

Enjoy!

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Required Ingredients

1/2 cup regular rolled oats

1 cup liquid (water and/or milk of choice)

1/2 an organic apple

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

slightly rounded 1/2 tsp apple pie spice*
1/8 tsp molasses

pinch of salt

1. Bring 1 cup liquid (I use an equal mixture of soy milk and water) to a boil, add 1/2 cup regular rolled oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you'd like to add flax or chia seeds, do so now. I recommend flax.) 
2. Dice up apple and add to the saucepan.
3. Once more of the liquid has dissolved, add vanilla extract, pie spice, molasses, and salt. Stir.
4. If you'd like to add any extra ingredients (coconut oil, dried fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds), do so now. For extra indulgence, add 1/2 tsp Earth Balance or butter (it's super tasty!!).
5. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and a moderate dusting of cinnamon (or a cinnamon-sugar blend), or any other additional toppings you'd prefer (shredded coconut, nuts, etc.). You could even serve it a la mode! For a vanilla ice cream that's healthy enough for breakfast, check out this recipe by CCK.

*Note on spices: I tried it first with an even 1/2 tsp and found it not "spicy" enough. When I used a rounded teaspoon, it tasted more pie-like. If you are not a fan of spices, consider using an even 1/2 tsp (no less).

**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account!  Thanks!