My first thought about this was “who needs a recipe for oatmeal?” Once I started listing all the ingredients I normally put in it though, I thought “Okay, that would be a lot to list off to someone if they asked...”. So here we are. This is one of my favorite breakfasts. It’s something I have said would go on my menu if I ever had a restaurant. Its simple but great. Just remember, I do this blog because I have people ask me for my recipes a lot but I'm no professional!  I'm just trying to put my cooking into words for the people that want to try it. 

Now I prefer old fashioned or steel cut oats, but my sister actually prefers the quick cook kind because of texture. So whatever floats your boat. You can cook your oats in milk if you like. I have also done half water half milk on occasion. I usually just do water. Anyway, you’ll just cook your oats according to the type you are using before adding in all these things. When I use quick cook oats, I end up adding about 1/2 cup more dry oats then the directions on the package call for. 

I like the nuts toasted or raw. Toasted obviously adds a depth of flavor but raw is easier. Easy usually wins with me, unless it’s for guests. Walnuts are really good for you but pecans or almonds are good too! I prefer my apples raw but I know some people who really want the apples soft. You can dice the apples very small and put them in at the end of cooking and they will get a little softer. Or you could sauté or bake them before hand. I personally like the crunchy ness of being completely raw. As for the maple syrup, you could use all maple or all brown sugar if you wanted/needed to. Green apples add more tang and sour notes and I think the sweetness can handle it.  If you use a sweeter apple, just add less sugar/maple syrup. Oh and good strawberries make all the difference. 

Loaded Oatmeal

5 cups  Cooked oats

5 tbsp  Butter

3/4 cup  Unpacked brown sugar

1/4 cup  Pure maple syrup

1 tsp  Cinnamon

1/2 cup  Walnuts (chopped)

1 cup  Strawberries (chopped)

1/2 cup  Apple (chopped)

1. Put all the ingredients, except the strawberries, in with the oats when they are just finishing cooking. 
2. Add the strawberries after everything else is mixed in and butter is melted. (this is to keep the strawberries from getting too mushy)

• Note:  Feeds 4-6.  Adjust the amounts of sugar and fruits to your taste preference!