Apple Pie for Breakfast

Well, actually that's a lie.  Sort of.

It's not REALLY pie...but it does taste kinda like it.  But better, in my opinion.  And it's a heck of a lot better for you.  And more satisfying.  And you can eat it in the morning without feeling really guilty all day long.  In fact, you'll feel really warm and happy inside for a good couple of hours and you'll want to eat it every day to relive that feeling.

Ok enough with the schmaltz.  Let's just get to the recipe already...

Apple Pie Oatmeal

serves 2

1 teaspoon butter
1 large apple, cut into bite-size chunks (I leave the skin on, but I suppose you could peel it if you prefer)

cinnamon, to taste (about 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon)
pinch of apple pie spice
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup steel-cut oats
pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon packed Splenda-brown sugar blend or Maple Syrup (or more, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (whatever kind you like:  almond milk, 2%, etc.)
chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
additional milk, brown sugar, cinnamon and apple pie spice for serving (optional)

In a small or medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add half of the chopped apple to the melted butter and sprinkle on some cinnamon (reserve the other 1/4 chopped apple to add towards the end of cooking).  Saute for 5 minutes, until apple has started to soften.

Pour water into sauce pan and increase heat to high, bring to boil and add oats and salt.  Cook oatmeal, stirring frequently 30 minutes or until most water is absorbed and oatmeal is thick.  Add apple pie spice, vanilla extract, Splenda-brown sugar (or maple syrup) and stir, add milk and remaining apple chunks and allow to cook another 5 minutes or until oatmeal is cooked to your desired doneness.  Scoop oatmeal into a serving bowl and top with the chopped nuts and additional milk, brown sugar, cinnamon and/or apple pie spice as desired.

*If desired, you can substitute old-fashioned oats rather than steel-cut oatmeal.  For 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, use 1 cup water and decrease cooking time to 5-7 minutes once oatmeal is added.