As the crisp fall air replaces the summer ease, I’ve been switching up what I’ve been putting on my plate. Apples have replaced summer berries, basil & corn have taken a seat to sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash – and oatmeal has reappeared into my regular routine. Oh and cinnamon is generously sprinkled on many, many things – with gusto.
I feel more aligned and at ease when I eat what the season has to offer, it creates this subtle shift. When I eat seasonally I can smoothly transition into the new space and pace of nature, rather than wanting and wishing what was (although that happens occasionally). My body expects and welcomes the new seasonal food. It’s grounding, warming, and comforting. I find myself craving these fall findings – and unable to have enough apples.
I have been LOVING oats & apples in all it’s many forms. In bowls or mason jars – depending on the amount of time I have to get out the door. Here is a simple recipe you can incorporate into your weeks to make a great breakfast or even mid-morning or afternoon snack:
Steel Cut Oats with Toasted Apples & Pecans:
* Make a batch of steel cut oats (boil 4 cups of water then add 1 cup of oats and cook uncovered on low for 30 minutes OR add 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water – stir and let sit for a minute, then cover and put in fridge overnight!) * this will give you about 3-4 servings for the week.
* Toast toppings: Add a little butter or coconut oil to a warm pan and add cut up apples & pecans (feel free to add dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins here), stir, add cinnamon + perhaps a touch of maple syrup.
Prepare in bowl and sit and enjoy, or add to mason jar and plop in bag – I layered my to go oats by filling the jar halfway with oats + topping with cinnamon, maple syrup, and toasted treats – then repeat.
Of course this is only the beginning. Top and taste according to what your boy wishes.
Then of course there was and will always be COOKIES. As much as I am a cookie monster, I try and seek out healthy recipes with unprocessed sugar, good quality flour, and relatively little ingredients. Here is what I found: click link or picture for recipe from Real Food Real Deals, they were really quite tasty.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Doesn’t it all just look like fall? Browns and oranges gently resting on the ground. What are your favorite fall treats? Would LOVE to hear.