October Oatmeal!

So I’ve been complaining a lot to my friends lately about how I’m unemployed. But let’s face it. This economy is rough and I’ve really only been without a job for a two months. It’s time for me to be the optimist. Something will come along! At least that’s been my mood this week. Waking up a bit more chipper than usual, I decided to skip the raisin bran and make myself a proper fall breakfast. To tell you the truth, one of the best things about not having a job is taking my time in the morning. I can get up without an alarm, go on a run, read the paper, yada yada yada.
This morning was particularly glorious. The air was brisk, the lake was blue, and the trees were orange.



The day called for a great breakfast. The kind of breakfast that gives you the energy to make a few more calls about possible employment….
OATMEAL. Now, as a child I hated oatmeal. My mom tried to tell me it was healthy, and that instantly made me loathe the bowl of goo. But this oatmeal changed it all. It’s got everything: crunch, sweetness, tang, and than extra hot and filling feeling that makes your stomach feel like you just gave it a big warm hug. To make this recipe even better, it’s the easiest thing to make.




October Oatmeal
Adapted from The Craving Chronicles

1/3 cup oats
¼ of an apple, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons chopped pecans (or walnuts)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon real maple syrup (though plain ol’ Log Cabin would probably taste just as good)
1/3 cup milk
¼ cup water
Pinch of salf
Golden raisins (dried cranberries would work, too)

1. Combine the oats, apples, pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add the maple syrup, milk and water to the dried mixture and stir to coat.
3. Microwave for approx. 2 mins, microwaving in additional 20-second increments until most of the liquid is absorbed. But you don’t want a dried oatmeal cookie-like brick either.
4. Top with raisins or dried cranberries. Serve with a hot, strong cup of tea. Mmmmm……