Cinnamon Apple Pie Oatmeal

Fall is here and you know what that means—it’s apple season! And Apple Pie Oatmeal makes the perfect healthy fall breakfast.

Apples are full of vitamins and antioxidants, and they’re a great source of fiber, too.

We love the warming combination of apples, cinnamon, and maple! This healthful breakfast is gluten-free, dairy-free, full of fiber, and absolutely delicious. It reheats well for busy weekday mornings!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup GF steel-cut oats

• 3 medium-to-large apples (granny smith/ honey crisp/ combo), cored and sliced into 1-to-2″ chunks

• 4 cups water

• Pinch of sea salt

• Maple syrup or honey, to taste

• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• Optional toppings: swirl of nut butter, toasted pecans, walnuts, chopped fresh apples, dried cranberries or apricots, sprinkle of cardamon

Instructions:

In a large saucepan melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the steel-cut oats and cook until fragrant, stirring often, about 2 minutes (this step enhances the flavor of the oats).

Add the apple chunks, water and salt. Stir to combine, and raise the heat to high to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 35 minutes, until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed and the oats are nice and creamy. Stir every five minutes in the beginning, and more frequently as time goes on.

Remove from heat and let the oatmeal rest for 5 minutes before serving so it has more time to thicken.

Divide the mixture into individual bowls, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of maple or honey and any of the other toppings that you choose.