Since my last post was totally unhealthy (but delicious), I decided to post something a bit more “good-for-you” today.
My dad was visiting us recently for a family reunion. He is a diabetic with other related health issues and he does not eat as well as I would prefer. ( I posted last Christmas about a diabetic friendly meal that we took to him.) Since he was staying with us for the weekend, I researched and decided that everything we would eat in OUR house would be diabetic friendly.
This breakfast dish is truly delicious with the apple juice and spices. It smells wonderful as it simmers and bubbles on the stove.
Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 c. water
- 1 3/4 c. apple juice
- 1 c. steel-cut oats
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/2 t. apple pie spice (See recipe below.)
- 1/4 t. fine sea salt
- Garnishes: fresh fruit (more chopped apple, berries), unsweetened almond milk, toasted pecans, honey
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottom saucepan bring water and apple juice to a boil.
- Stir in oats, chopped apple, apple pie spice, and salt.
- Return mixture to a simmer; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until desired consistency and oats are tender.
- May garnish with whatever you like.
Makes 6 (3/4 cup each) servings.
I used a bit more cinnamon, apple slices, some pecans and a drizzle of honey.
So, never buy apple pie spice. It is so easy to mix up “fresh” whenever you need it.
Apple Pie Spice
Never by apple pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice, for that matter). Make your own.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 T. ground cinnamon
- 1 t. nutmeg
- 1 t. cardamom
- 1 t. allspice
Instructions
- Whisk together ingredients and store in an air tight container.
This is a new favorite for us and I’ve made it twice since Dad’s visit.
If you’re interested, I also made these recipes for him:
Cornmeal Waffles with Blueberry Compote
Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
I added lots more veggies to the lemon chicken recipe but all of these recipes are “remake” worthy.
We saw lots of family during this family reunion. It’s my grandmother’s side of the family. There were ten siblings in her family and the three youngest are still alive—all in their nineties and all healthy and sharp. These reunions are always three day affairs with us, sharing communal dinners on Friday and Saturday night. The culmination of the reunion is Family Church Service that was hosted by a cousin at his new lake house. It was the perfect spot.
It seems like at every reunion, there is an underlying question that just pops up. It always starts out with “Do you remember….?” to wit there are long discussions (sometimes heated) as to whose recollection is correct.
This year it was this question: Whose red car is Great-Grandmother posing in front of?
This question was followed by: What is the make and model of that car?
You decide.
The oatmeal looks delicious! And I too like to make my own spice blend..so much fresher and cheaper. You sure that that’s not your grandmother’s car? Don’t know much about car, but bet that’s one of those beautiful old timers.
Yes, I hate to buy spice blends. Sometimes I do for quickness sake, especially for Garam Masala.
Your family reunions must be a lot of fun! Good when family still love each other.
About the oatmeal: not being diabetic, I would love it but would add brown sugar or maple syrup. I’m afraid I like my oatmeal very sweet, usually with dried fruit.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Yes, we do all like each other (and more importantly still like each other AFTER the reunion). I did add some honey but honestly, it is sweet enough with the apple juice.
Perfect timing — oatmeal season is here! Love the stuff, and steel-cut is the best. This looks delish — thanks!
How was the sabbatical? Yes, it is oatmeal (and soup and chili) weather—finally!
Despite being skinny and exercising daily, I still have to be careful with my carbs. I get weird blood sugar spikes if I don’t eat them with protein—especially at breakfast. So these oats are appealing in more than one way—they sound yummy and are a healthy breakfast option. Your family reunions sound like a LOT of fun!!!
Now that cooler weather is moving in, the steel cuts are coming out. What a wonderful way to enjoy their nutty goodness and the apples are great this year so this is a must.