Green Apple and Walnut Oatmeal

I went apple picking for the first time today. Or the second...maybe. I grew up near an orchard, and we went there once on a class field trip, but I can't remember if we actually got to do any picking, or if we just walked around the rest of the place. Either way, this felt new and different because apple farms on the east coast are special. They're much more treasured than they are back home. It felt like the perfect way to usher in my East Coast Autumn! And those were the best, crispiest, most flavorful apples I've ever enjoyed.

That's not where I got THIS apple though; I made this one before we went to the orchard. I'll be honest: it felt so wrong purchasing this Granny Smith apple. SO wrong. I've never been one for green apples, and I must admit that I've never bought one before. I'm okay with Golden Delicious, but Granny Smith is where I put my foot down.

Except this time. Once I thought up this idea, there was no looking back. To be honest, the green apple wasn't so bizarre. I always eat Braeburn apples, which are pretty sour for a red apple anyway, so the green apple wasn't that different. I really liked the combination with the walnut, though. I'm so big into almonds that I rarely experience other nuts, like walnuts. Mmm...such a silky texture!

Green Apple & Walnut Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 2 min

Cook Time: 5 min

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Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 1 Granny Smith apple (I only used half)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use an equal mixture of almond milk and water) to a boil, add 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 the apple and add to the oatmeal. Stir.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Stir.
4. Add walnuts and optional raisins. If you'd like to add any extra ingredients (coconut oil, dried fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds), do so now.
5. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice.

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