When waking to the morning chill of the fall season, what better way to start your day than a hearty bowl of oatmeal? Chunks of tender apples, surrounded by whole grain oats, enveloped by the spices of the season, this Apple Spice Oatmeal is the perfect start for your fall mornings!
Apple Spice Oatmeal
Lisa @ onceamonthmeals.com
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 1.5 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups whole grain old fashioned oats
- 1.5 cups apple juice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Add apples, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until apples are slightly cooked. Add the oats, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Add apple juice, water and vanilla. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until oatmeal has thickened and apples are tender. Serve warm, sprinkling with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if desired.
Freezing Directions:
Cool completely. Divide among 4 pint size freezer storage bags, label and freeze. TO SERVE: Thaw. Transfer to a microwave safe bowl and reheat 50% power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. May need to add water to thin consistency if desired.
Servings: 4
Making Baby Apple Spice Oatmeal:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Add apples, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until apples are slightly cooked. Add the oats, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Add apple juice, water and vanilla. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until oatmeal has thickened and apples are tender. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Adding extra water if desired to reach a thinner consistency.
Freezing Directions for Baby Food:
Transfer to a non-freezer gallon bag. Cut a small hole in the bottom corner of the bag and use it to pour/squeeaze the puree into ice cube trays. Do not overfill. Only fill each cube up to the sides and not overflowing the sides. Cover each tray with aluminum foil and label. Freeze for at least 24 hours before dividing among indicated number of quart sized freezer storage bags. TO SERVE: Thaw desired number of cubes. Warm in microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving if desired.