Tough Enough Nutrition and Fitness

This weeks healthy recipe is "Honey Crisp Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal." I personally LOVE the texture of steel cut oats.  The final oat product still has shape and a nice al dente grit.  I prefer this over an instant oat paste :). Don't get me wrong I do enjoy a nice warm bowl of Quakers instant from time to time...but if you have the time... give steel cut a try.  This can even be made in the crock pot over night (about 8-9 hour cook time on low) and be waiting ready for you in the morning.  If you do try this in a crock pot try adding more along the lines of 3.5-4 cups of water to prevent any burning as well as spraying the pot with non-stick spray.

 In the grocery store I notice steel cut oats can be found in about one of three areas.  In the baking aisle with flour, in the specialty section with cereals and/or flour, or in the general cereal section by the oatmeal.  I personally am a fan of Bob's Red Mill products but there are plenty of others out there.

Enjoy!

PS I am from Michigan and can not turn down a Michigan grown deliciously firm, sweet, and crisp honey crisp apple.  Give it a try, very worth it!

Honey Crisp Apple 

Steel Cut Oatmeal

A Low Fat and Low Sodium Recipe with A Great Filling Energy Boost

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 17-20 minutes

Ingredients

3C Water

1/4 tsp Salt (optional)

1 C Steel Cut Oats (I like Bob's Mill brand)

4oz (1/2C) Unsweetened Apple Sauce

1/2C Diced Apple - small (A Honey Crisp Apple Tastes AMAZING)

1/4C Dried Fruit

1tsp Cinnamon

1 Tbs Brown Sugar

Directions

Bring 3C of water + 1/4tsp of salt to a boil. Once the water is boiling add 1C of steel cut oats. 

Turn the heat down (setting 2-3) and let the oats simmer for 10 minutes. 

Stir the oatmeal occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.  

At ten minutes add all the remaining ingredients and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or to your preferred consistency.  

Continue to occasionally stir the mixture.

Feel free to add additional toppings such as maple syrup, milk, butter, fresh fruit etc.

Nutritional Information

Servings: 4 (3/4C)

kcal: 237, protein: 11g, carbohydrate: 46.5g, fat: 3g, sugar: 14g, fiber: 7g, sodium: 12mg