Apple Pie Oatmeal
Oatmeal may be the most humble of breakfasts. Thick and creamy when done right - gummy and gluey when it’s not; don’t be that person - it’s also a canvas for creation. Topped with a spoonful of brown sugar, a sprinkling of cinnamon and a sliced banana, it’s comfort food. Topped with a dollop of peanut butter and a smear of strawberry jelly, it’s savory and satisfying.
Or, you could do as I did recently, and decide it could the perfect vehicle for using up the weeks-old, wrinkled apples in the back of the fridge. A quick sauté in butter brings out the apples’ natural sweetness. Drizzling a bit of maple syrup - not maple-flavored syrup; don’t be that person - over the whole thing gives some bass notes to that sweetness. Chopped pecans bring extra protein to the party. And a big slab of butter under the whole, beautiful conglomeration gives it silk. And yes, you must use butter on your oatmeal. Don’t be that person. I promise it will change your life.
APPLE PIE OATMEAL
Ingredients:
Steel-cut oatmeal (also called Irish oatmeal)
butter
sweet apples
maple syrup
pecans, chopped
Directions:
Make steel-cut oatmeal according to package directions. You can also use rolled oats, but they won’t have the chewy, nutty texture of steel-cut. I don’t advise instant oatmeal for this recipe.
While the oatmeal is cooking, melt about 1 tbsp of butter in a medium skillet. Chop the apples into bite-sized chunks, and add to skillet. Stir until coated with butter. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. To speed cooking, cover the skillet with a lid, which will allow the apples to steam while they sizzle. You can also add a splash of apple cider to the skillet before covering, which will generate even more steam. Just note that the apple cider doesn’t evaporate completely, or you will have a burned sugar mess in your pan.
Once both the apples and oatmeal are cooked, portion oatmeal into bowls. Immediately top each serving with a hefty slab of butter. I often use 1 tbsp per large serving. As the angel said to Mary: Don’t be afraid.
Top the apples with a handful of chopped pecans.
Drizzle the whole thing with maple syrup.
