This time of year, few things seem as difficult as waking up in the morning. The sun comes up later (and goes down earlier…) and frost blankets our windows, making heading out the door a daunting task.
There’s a bright spot to the cold, dark mornings of late fall and winter, though: it’s hot breakfast season!
Oh yes, we dare you to find something more satisfying and comforting than a hot bowl of thick, delicious oatmeal. It’s not only warming for your tummy, it’s healthy and filling, too!
Below is our recipe for cinnamon apple oatmeal with kefir and pecans, or as we like to refer to it, “Fall in a bowl.” It’s our new go-to recipe that can be doubled to feed as many people as needed. Even better, it’s made with wholesome, natural ingredients you can feel good about eating.
Oats:
Steel cut and rolled oats are full of soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps keep us full (and our hands out of the chip bag). Steer clear of instant and quick oats – they’re highly processed and not the best option.
Apple:
Like oatmeal, apples contain soluble fiber for fullness. They also contain a wide variety of antioxidants and minerals – things that are beneficial for good health.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is more than just a delicious spice; it’s also good for your health, according to some studies. Cinnamon has been used as a traditional health remedy and weight loss tool for generation, though modern scientific studies are inconclusive.
Pecans:
Pecans are a great source of natural, healthy fats and contain a variety of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E and manganese.
Kefir:
No Lifewayrecipe would be complete without kefir! Pouring cold kefir over slightly cooled oats makes completes the bowl in creamy perfection. Plus, the added protein and probiotics keep you full longer and your digestive system working well.
Cold Morning Oatmeal: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Kefir and Pecans
Serves 2-3
- 1 cup thick rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Kefir (or kefir variety of your choice)
- 1 medium/large sweet apple, chopped
- 2 Tbsp pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- Honey, to taste
Bring water and salt to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high and add oatmeal and apple. Simmer 8-10 minutes, or until water is absorbed (to taste). Turn off heat and cool for roughly five minutes. Stir in kefir, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Spoon into bowls and top with pecans and more cinnamon to taste.