Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

I love oatmeal any time, especially Coaches Oats. I like Coaches Oats because they have a firmer texture then their rolled counter parts, much like steel cut oats, but cook much faster. The groats (whole grain oats) are toasted and cracked and have a wonderful nutty flavor.  I buy them at Costco but I understand they can be found in other stores and can also be ordered from their website and delivered right to your home.  

Many people start eating oatmeal more often when the weather gets colder.  I love adding fruit, nuts, peanut butter and even topping it with plain Greek yogurt.  Nathan likes to stir in raspberries and chocolate chips.  Apples are perfect in the fall and if you make too much you can always put it in the refrigerator and have it the next day to two, just add a little water and pop it into the microwave and heat it through. Since weekday mornings can be busy and rushed I have made this the evening before and put it in the refrigerator for a quick healthy breakfast in the morning.

My whole family enjoys this oatmeal although there is one in particular that prefers much more sugar in his than the rest of us do. 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

1 cup coaches oats

1 cup chopped and peeled apple

4 T. butter, divided

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 C. water

Brown sugar taste
Half & half, heavy cream or milk if desired

In a medium size pot melt 2 T of butter and add the oats.  Toast oats for about 2 minutes over medium heat.  make a well in the center, add the remaining butter and the apples and stir and cook about 2 more minutes.  Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg and cook about one minute. Add the water and vanilla and bring to a boil.  Cover, lower heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, until most of the water is absorbed, stirring once or twice.  Remove from heat and add brown sugar (my family likes about 1/4 cup added) and stir to combine.  Serve topped with half and half or cream if desired.

Serves 4

This can be made with steel cut oats. After toasting the oats (using all 4 T of butter) add the cinnamon and nutmeg (skip the apples for now), cook 2 minutes, add the water and cook about 35 to 40 minutes, until the oats are almost done. At this point add in the apples and cook and additional 5-7 minutes, cooking until the oats are done.