Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal
It’s so chilly in Birmingham right now, especially in the wake of Ida’s daylong downpour yesterday. I woke up thinking of a comfy bowl of hot oats. At this point, there’s probably not much I can tell you about oatmeal that you don’t already know. But I had this idea today, and it turned out to be a yummy one: I cooked my oatmeal in Georgia apple cider. I also added chunks of Alabama apples and a generous dose of cinnamon while the oats cooked, so the whole thing ended up like the interior of a sweet-tart apple crumble. I prefer tangier flavors to sweeter ones, so I didn’t add any brown sugar, but I might next time to round it all out. At the last minute, I spied a bag of shredded coconut and decided to toss some in. It was absolutely perfect.
How do you like your oatmeal? Do you have any favorite cooking liquids besides the standard water and/or milk? Add-ins that make it a go-to breakfast? Do share. I’m rediscovering my love of this rustic morning food.
November 11th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
You know, spending countless mornings out on the snow before the sun comes up requires serious breakfast. Cereal just won’t cut it, and when you’re up at the butt-crack o’ dawn every second of sleep counts.
Yes, oats are the perfect thing. That giant cardboard cylinder of Quaker oats is cheap and much more versatile than the individual packets. I keep meaning to try throwing some apple in there but I usually go with chopped nuts, walnut are my fave, large pieces, crunchy, meaty. Perfect. I have, however, been known to resort to almonds and even peanuts when dire circumstances forced my hand.
Add a *ahem* generous spoon of brown sugar and a handful of whatever dried berries I have, I recommend golden raisins if you can find them. They are beautiful and very sweet and excellent with oatmeal.
I am definitely riding the winter oatmeal train. I know when the cold weather is really here when I reach for oatmeal in the am rather than yogurt and fresh fruit.
Bring on the snow!!
November 11th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Beautifully written, Mariah! I will definitely add some walnuts next time…and golden raisins sound lovely, too. Great recommendations.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:03 am
This is my favorite oatmeal recipe: http://www.oprah.com/recipe/food/recipesbreakfast/20090227-tows-tyler-oatmeal
Very similar to yours in that it cooks the oats in apple juice (I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but it’s delicious isn’t it?). I’ve changed up the fruit toppings, as the banana can be a little too sweet for me, but I always keep the toasted coconut, which has become my all-time favorite oatmeal topping.
November 21st, 2009 at 1:10 am
Have you tried steel-cut oats? They take longer to cook but the texture is fantastic. I cook mine in soymilk and top them with agave nectar, honey, or cooked apples, and always a sprinkle of cinnamon. I love the idea of cooking them in the apple cider. I’ll definitely have to try this!