Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

Oatmeal ranks up there as a personal Liv Life favorite.  Be it for breakfast, dinner, or a quick afternoon snack, oatmeal's heartiness leaves me satiated, and it's nutty flavor brings a blank slate just waiting to be adorned.

I can't say the same for Liv though... while she is a fan of oatmeal, it doesn't reach a "favorite" in her ranking.  However, with the proper topping, I can move that ranking pretty darn high.

Topping oatmeal with blueberries and bananas is always a sure hit in her book, but frankly she'd prefer an old favorite - oatmeal with rainbow sprinkles.  As I'm not making rainbow sprinkles a "nutritious part of her everyday breakfast", her next request (months ago) was Cinnamon Apple.

I'd like to say I jumped right on that request, but alas, it went in one ear and out the other.  But thankfully my blogger friends have my back.

This month's Blogger C.L.U.E challenge of "Fall Fruits" sent me searching A Palatable Pastime's index for apples, pears and pumpkins.  And behold... the first thing that jumped out has put me back on the Best Mommy Ever path.

Sue's recipe for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is just what my girl-child ordered, and she loved it so much she actually had not one, but two bowls on Labor Day morning.

See?  My blogger friends have me covered, and Sue is simply amazing.  With over 40 years of cooking experience, her specialties lie with heartland and southern cooking.  She's won numerous recipe contests (understandably!), but what caught my eye was a feature on Debbie Field's e-zine.  How cool is that?  (I've had a little crush on Debbie ever since I tried her White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies when I was in college).

In any case, thank you Sue for making me a Super Mommy  in Liv's eyes again.  Your Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal recipe is so much better than anything out of a package and perfect for quick early morning breakfasts.  Liv sends her Apple Cinnamon love!

Don't forget to check out what the rest of the group made for the Fall Fruits Challenge!  
   

Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

   

Kate from Kate's Kitchen

   

Christiane from Taking on Magazines

   

Heather from girlichef

   

Stacy from Food Lust People Love

   

Lisa from Authentic Suburban Gourmet

   

Alice from A Mama, Baby and Shar-pei in the Kitchen

   

Azmina from Lawyer Loves Lunch

   

Kelli from Kelli's Kitchen

     

Lea Ann from Cooking on the Ranch

   

Anna from annaDishes

   

Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm

   

Debra from Eliot's Eats

   

Lora from Cake Duchess

   

Kathy from A Spoonful of Thyme

   

Rebekah from Making Miracles

   

Lauren from Sew You Think You Can Cook

   

Aly from Cooking in Stilettos

   

Sue from A Palatable Pastime

Cinnamon Apple Power Oatmeal
Boasting 4 grams of fiber (about half insoluble and half soluble) and 6 grams of protein per cup of cooked oatmeal, oatmeal brings a good start to your day.  But... I've been told oatmeal is boring.  Not any more!  Stir in a heaping spoonful of this aromatic Cinnamon Apple topping and you'll draw sleepy kids from their beds on the smell alone.
Whether it's plain oatmeal, steel cut our our favorite power version, apples and spice will perk up your bowl.
Recipe courtesy of Sue of A Palatable Pastime
See Sue's recipe for info on the best types of apple to use!

1 medium Red Delicious or MacIntosh apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 medium Golden Delicious Apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2 Tbs butter (we used Earth Balance Butter Alternative - dairy-free)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (I used a generous 1/2 tsp!)
1/2 cup fresh apple cider or apple juice
1/4 cup light brown sugar
prepared oatmeal (we used our Ancient Power Oatemal version)
Additional toppings - raisins, chopped walnuts and milk (we use almond milk)

Saute apples in a medium skillet with the butter until the red apple begins to break down.  Stir in the cinnamon, cider (or juice) and brown sugar.  Continue to cook until all apples are tender and the mixture is a chunky sauce.

Server over or stir into oatmeal of your choice.

Liv Life Note:  Liv gives Sue's recipe 2 thumbs up (she said she'd give it 3 if she had three thumbs!)  I, however don't use much sugar in my diet and made an alternate version with apples, water, 1 Tbs butter (Earth Balance), cinnamon and 2 Tbs maple syrup.  Liv says my version need Sue's magic, but for a lower sugar version I very much enjoyed it!