Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Step 1

Prepare the apples: Rinse 2 medium Granny Smith apples under cold water, then peel with a vegetable peeler. Cut each apple in half, remove the core with a knife, and dice the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes — you should have about 2 cups total. Set aside in a small bowl.

Step 2

Combine the liquids and bring to a simmer: Pour 1.5 cups of whole milk and 0.5 cup of water into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and bring to a gentle simmer — you'll see small bubbles breaking the surface around the edges. This takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add the oats: Pour 1 cup of rolled oats slowly into the simmering milk and water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring for 30 seconds until the mixture looks uniform.

Step 4

Cook the oatmeal: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes. The oatmeal is ready when it thickens, becomes creamy, and the oats are tender but still have a slight bite to them. You should hear gentle, occasional bubbles popping on the surface.

Step 5

Fold in the apples and seasonings: Add the diced apples, 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 0.75 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 0.125 teaspoon of sea salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until everything is combined and the butter melts into the oatmeal, about 1 minute. Taste a spoonful and adjust the cinnamon or brown sugar if desired.

Step 6

Serve immediately: Divide the oatmeal between two bowls while it's still hot and steaming. The texture will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Add a splash of fresh milk to each bowl if you prefer a looser consistency, and serve with your favorite toppings such as granola, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of honey.