Healthy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
½ cup uncooked regular, or old fashioned, oatmeal - not instant
¾ cup water, plus ¼ cup
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon cinnamon, or more to taste
1½ teaspoons brown sugar
Small pinch of salt if desired
Combine oatmeal and ¾ cup water in microwave safe bowl. (Be sure your bowl is large enough to accommodate the oatmeal expansion while in the microwave. It's a mess to clean if it boils over.) Cook on high three minutes, or until tender. When cooking process is finished, allow oatmeal to rest until apples are completed.
While oatmeal is cooking, heat a heavy skillet over high heat. Spray with a little cooking spray and add apples in a single layer. Cook without stirring one minute. Reduce heat to medium and add cinnamon, brown sugar and ¼ cup water, stirring to combine. Cover immediately and allow to cook one minute. Remove lid and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until moisture has evaporated.
Remove oatmeal from microwave and stir. Top with cooked apples and enjoy.
Cook's note: Apples can be made in bulk and cooked ahead of time, refrigerated, and quickly heated in the microwave while oatmeal is resting. Add some more texture by stirring in a tablespoon of your favorite nuts or dried fruit.
Makes 1 generous serving
Penny Kazmier