Mmmmm....the fall. The weather here is cooler and more crisp, and I can venture outside a little more with Reaghan without having to suffer from the crazy Texas heat. It's getting to be that time of year and with it come all the new foods we love during this season. Like enjoying a cup of hot apple cider while porch-sitting and enjoying the newness of a changing season. It's amazing how something so small can bring us so much joy!

Cinnamon Apple Maple Oatmeal. Perfect for fall!

Summer produce has most definitely faded away at the grocery store. I'm partially sad because I love the ripe melons, sweet berries and all the amazingly bright colors that come with the season. But, I think one of the beautiful things about seasons is how God times them and give each one it's own rhythm, taste, color and texture.

I was getting pretty giddy about the chance to take Reaghan apple picking this year. I could imagine her getting so excited and biting into way too many apples for her own good. I think it's safe to say she is pretty obsessed with apples, and munches on them happily. Since we had the craziest rain ever this spring, though, all of the apples at our local orchard fell prey to rot, and they aren't having people come pick this year. I was SO sad! Both for the orchard and their business, but also for me and my family starting a new tradition I was excited about. There's always next year!

Even though we couldn't go apple picking and make allllll the apple things to last us through the fall, I've still been making this oatmeal and it's to die for. It will seriously make your house smell like HEAVEN. I know the name of the recipe is a little long, but I had to get in there all the yummy's that are a part of this breakfast. Cinnamon. Apples. Maple Syrup. Creamy oatmeal..... divine.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal
2 cups water
pinch of salt
3 tablespoons maple syrup + 1 tablespoon
cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
1 gala apple

Instructions

Heat water, oatmeal and salt in a saucepan over medium high heat. Once the liquid starts to boil, turn heat down to medium. Simmer until all the water is absorbed and oatmeal is completely cooked, stirring occasionally.

While the oatmeal is cooking, heat up a small frying pan with butter over medium low heat. Core and thinly slice an apple and add to the pan. Cook apple slices until they become tender, then sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Let the syrup bubble up and thicken, then remove from the heat.

Add 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and a few dashes of cinnamon and stir into the oatmeal once it is done cooking. Serve and top with apples.