Cinnamon Apple & Pecan Oatmeal

This recipe is very easy, and certainly beats the little store-bought package of cinnamon & apple oatmeal. It's cinnamon and pecan aroma will remind of all the comforts that comes with Fall. The best part is that you can control what goes in it when you make it. That means no artificial flavors or preservatives, and you can make it as healthful as you want with fruit and nuts. 

Cut the recipe in half for a single serving or double it to feed the whole family. I think that making an extra serving is great for enjoying a quick and easy breakfast the next day! Just store it in an airtight container and nuke for about a minute in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to loosen it up again.

Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup whole wheat oatmeal
(optional) 1tbs ground flaxseeds
1 cup water, plus 3 tbs extra
1 cup milk 
Half an apple, peeled and cubed
Handful of pecans
1 tbs butter 
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp of pumpkin pie spices (for the topping)
1tbs brown sugar (or more if you like it sweeter)
1/8 tsp salt
Optional topping: flavored granola crunch cereal
 

DIRECTIONS:
Toast pecans for a few minutes on low heat. Take them off the skillet/saucepan. Simmer cubed apples with cinnamon and about 3 tbs water in a sauce pan until very soft. Add in all the other ingredients except for the pumpkin pie spice mix and pecans, and cook until the oatmeal is cooked all the way through. Top with pecans and sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on the top. You can also add a little bit of granola crunch on the top too for extra flavor and texture.