Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal

I try to start each day with a healthy breakfast and this one is at the top of my list. Easy to make and so tasty…warm oatmeal, fruit and nuts. Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal is flavorful, healthy and satisfying breakfast. The best part is you can add the flavors you like. I used dried cranberries, fresh apple, almonds and a splash of almond milk to make it creamy. What flavors do you like?

This creamy oatmeal is a healthy way to begin your day. Oatmeal is a great source of protein and fiber. Adding dried fruit and nuts makes it even more nutritious and flavorful. You’ll get plenty of sweetness from the fresh apple and dried cranberries. If desired, drizzle a bit of honey over the oatmeal. Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal will wake you up and get you moving in the right direction.

What’s the difference between quick oats and steel cut oats?

You can certainly use regular quick oats for this recipe, which are whole oats. But the steel cut oats have a great texture and a nutty flavor. They are the inner part of the oat kernel and the outer hull has been removed. This kernel is then cut, using steel blades, into smaller pieces. They make terrific oatmeal.

Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal Recipe

What’s needed?

• 1/3 cup Quick 3-minute Steel Cut Oats
• 2/3 cup water or almond milk
• pinch of salt
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped (or whole) almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 fresh apple, peeled and chopped
• drizzle of honey

How to make Apple and Cranberry Oatmeal?

• Combine all ingredients, except the honey, in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and cover with foil for 3 minutes. Remove the foil and stir.
• If you like your oatmeal creamy, add another splash of almond milk. Drizzle a bit of honey over the top of the oatmeal…so good.

How to make Overnight Oats?

If you are short on time in the morning, you can make this oatmeal the night before. Just put all of your ingredients, except the fresh apple and the honey, into a small Mason jar and stir.

• Put the lid on the jar and place it into the refrigerator overnight.
• In the morning, remove the lid, add the chopped apple and microwave for 1 minute in the jar. Add the honey and enjoy! I eat it right out of the jar, so delicious and quick.

You can also try some other combinations of flavors in your oatmeal, like banana and peanut butter, or mango and coconut. Use whatever flavors you like. It is a great way to start your day!