Caramel Apple Oats

Georgia weather during the summer to fall transition? Should I describe? Okay, I will. Picture nice balmy afternoons with just the right amount of sunshine to cloud ratio, cool evenings and colder than a witches broomstick mornings. Wow! This morning was a rude awakening that summer is quickly passing into fall. Tis the season to send my kids to school with a sweater, jacket, hat and well…mittens, just in case. Also, the season for scratchy throats and itchy noses as the pollen count rises to create the beautiful foliage that makes the season so special. To kick of the cold morning vibes I decide to not pimp our ride but pimp our oats. The Caramel Apple Oats to feed every cold toe and every hungry tummy in our home. This version contains walnuts but you will see the nut free substitute below in the ingredients which is what I made for my daughter.

Caramel Apple Oats

Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free quick cook oats
• 4 cups water
• 4 pitted dates
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 granny smith apples (green)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for nut allergy
• 1/2 cup Pantry Granola

Instructions

1. Add the water and oats to a pot and bring to a boil
2. Once boiling stir, place a lid on the pot and move to a cool burner.
3. Add dates and warm warm in a small bowl for 5 minutes to soften, then remove pits
4. Add dates, cinnamon and 1/4 cup of the date soaked water to a blender and blend until smooth
5. Spoon oats into bowl and top with the caramel, apples, nuts or seeds and Pantry Granola