Cheddar Apple Pie Oatmeal

YES, cheddar + apple pie. Is this crazy?

I’ve never had cheddar on apple pie, but it’s a thing. Even Martha Stewart supports this sweet-and-salty combo. Even though I’ve never had it, I can imagine it’s good: I’ve had apple slices on grilled cheese sandwiches, after all.

Since I had that cheddar from last week’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit Oatmeal on hand, I decided it was time to give this combo a shot.

What you’ll need:

• 3/4 cup milk of choice, or water*
• 1 red apple, or half a large one
• 1/4 cup quick cook steel cut oats*
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp rounded apple pie spice
• 1/8 tsp molasses
• pinch of salt
• 1/8 – 1/4 cup cheddar-style shreds (I used So Delicious)

How to make it:

1. Add milk of choice to a saucepan. Dice or grate apple (I diced half and grated half, which is my preferred approach.) Bring to a simmer and let the apples cook on their own for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add oats. Stir occasionally.
3. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add vanilla, apple pie spice, molasses, and salt. Stir.
4. When you’re pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, turn off heat and gently fold in cheddar shreds, but do not stir it into the oatmeal completely. (You want to keep it heterogenous.) Let sit for a minute or two to give the cheddar a chance to melt slightly.
5. Transfer to a bowl. Add other toppings if desired, such as walnuts or extra apple.

Just an FYI:

Forgive me for the late post this week. Denver had some uncharacteristic cold and cloudy days all week, so I wasn’t able to photograph a new recipe until Friday afternoon (even though I was ready to do it on Monday). I debated between sharing this with you today, or holding it over until next week. I decided to share it today–which happens to be my five-year veganniversary!!

What better way to celebrate than with a cheesy apple pie? In oatmeal form, of course.

Random Recommendations:

• [tunes] “Where Is My Mind” by Maxence Cyrin if you like pretty piano music
• [things] these pants by Express are the perfect cross between pants and leggings