Sometimes the simplest and easiest recipe is best. I try to eat healthy but struggle on busy mornings to eat well. Most of the time I grab a granola or lara bar on my way out the door. It’s also important to me that Bear and Bug eat healthy too and sometimes a little planning ahead goes a long way.

I have found that making a pot of oatmeal and scooping out a bowl every morning for the following few days is super quick, healthy and a kid approved way to accomplish that goal.

Here is my recipe for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. I used steel cut today because it’s what was in my pantry, but I typically enjoy old fashioned rolled oats. I like to have fun and be creative so feel free to substitute Soy or Coconut milk in place of the Almond.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Silk Almond Milk

-Oatmeal- your choice

-Silk Almond Milk, unsweetened regular flavor

-2-3 Honey Crisp Apples

-Cinnamon

-Either Sweet Cream or Cinnamon Sugar for sweetener

To start, follow the directions on your oatmeal and measure out Silk Almond Milk in place of water. After you add your oatmeal, let it simmer in the pot. I went ahead and added a generous amount of cinnamon at this point so it cooked with the cinnamon in the oats.

As it simmers, cut 2-3 apples up into small, bite sized pieces. I had to peel mine as well because Bug doesn’t like the apple peel very much. I prefer to leave the peel because there are so many nutrients in it! Steel Cut Oats take a while to cook so I also did all of my breakfast dishes while I waited. When the oatmeal was very close to completion, I added the apples so they would be al dente and not turn to mush.

I let it sit for a few minutes before serving it. I like to make this unsweetened partly because it helps me use less sugar than I would if I was making a large batch for everyone. I add as little cinnamon/sugar as I can for my own bowl and am a bit more generous with my kid’s bowls.

Bug loves this meal! I make this with different toppings almost every time. Shredded coconut, slivered almonds, rasins, crasins, or other dried fruit is good. On days when they need an extra special breakfast treat? A small scoop of vanilla ice cream does the trick!

I was lucky to even get to take the below picture as Bug was at my elbow asking, “my oatmeal mommy? I eat my oatmeal?” Enjoy and let me know if you have any favorite oatmeal or Silk Almond Milk recipes that you like to serve your kids for breakfast!