Ode to Oatmeal...

Living in Texas my whole life has taught me to appreciate colder days and all they have to offer. Case and point: Oatmeal. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I love oatmeal, especially on a cold morning. If you're like me, you don't want to sweat when you eat oatmeal! Keep it simple, I always say. Just 1 cup of water, 1/2 c. of oats (in my case...gluten-free oats). Simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Add a little sugar and some milk and you've got the perfect breakfast. If you feel like indulging, try my homemade applesauce recipe below:

6 lbs. tart apples (about 18 medium), peeled and quartered
1 c. apple juice or apple cider
1/2 c. honey
2 T. lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
1 t. ground ginger
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. nutmeg

Place ingredients in dutch oven. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 40 minutes or until apples are tender. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat; discard cinnamon stick.

Now, I think I'll start a beef stew for dinner and go make an apron for my Etsy site!