Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Sometimes I crave comforting, warm food, and since breakfast is my favorite meal, the two often go hand-in-hand. Oatmeal, when infused with tasty morsels, can really hit the spot. But I'm not a huge fan of the pre-flavored oatmeal that also contains copious amounts of sugar and preservatives. Instead, I opt for making my own delicious morning meal, and this is how I do it.

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I started with a small saucepan in which I poured about a half-inch of water. I brought that to a simmer, adding chopped apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tiny bit of maple syrup. As the apples cooked down, I prepared (in a separate pan) some instant oatmeal. When the oatmeal was soft and fluffy and the apples had cooked down to a soft consistency (most of the water evaporated), I simply mixed the two together.

Making this breakfast requires two pans, which I realize is a little annoying. But you get to control the ingredients and know exactly what you are putting in your body. For me, this is a growing imperative. You could also customize your oatmeal for picky (or simply diverse) eaters. I have poured hot oatmeal over chopped bananas, walnuts, and cinnamon for a banana-bread-like oatmeal that definitely hit the spot.

So, the next time you are in the mood for a stomach- and soul-warming dish, regardless of the time of day, consider reverting to a classic-- with your own spin, of course. Enjoy with fork (and/or spoon) in hand.