Quick and Warm Winter Breakfasts: Pan-fried apples and Oatmeal

I lived in Austria for a year while studying abroad. During that year, the winter was the longest I can ever remember. There was a time when the sun didn't shine for 40 days, and the majority of those days were swirled in snow storms. I actually do have those stories of walking miles to school in snow up to my shins. Still, wouldn't trade those memories for the world!

The best part of that winter though was waking up and knowing that a warm breakfast was in my near future. We had so much fun sharing our recipes among our six roommates and five hungry neighbors (who were just as much our roommates) from muffins to breads to omelets to crepes and finally to today's recipe: pan-fried apples and oatmeal. This quick and easy breakfast is warming to the soul and will keep you well-filled until lunch, or perhaps beyond!

Pan-Fried Apples and Oatmeal

1 Apple, cored and sliced thin

1/2 C Oatmeal

2 T Butter

Brown or raw sugar

Cinnamon

Cardamom 

Apple cider (or water)

Heat the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add about a tablespoon of sugar and your seasonings and melt into the butter. Add the apples and fry in the sweet seasoned butter until they begin to soften. After a few minutes you can add the oatmeal and fry it up with the apples. When the oatmeal begins to toast you can add in your liquid. We added apple cider and it was amazing! I normally add water, so that works too, but the cider really packed a punch of flavor.  Finally, put a lid on it and lower the heat. The oatmeal should soak up all of the liquid and you will be left with a glorious bowl of happy, warm breakfast.

Bon appétit!!