The Sick Days of Autumn

Flu season has just started and we're already crazy sick. That means only comfort food for us this week. After a tough night with Little D who had a fever and upset tummy, it was time to call in the soothing powers of oatmeal. He loves it, but we're still working on Mr. T...

Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal

2 cups water
1 cup large flake oatmeal
1/2 apple, grated
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
maple syrup to taste
golden raisins to taste
milk
(I also sneak in a teaspoon of ground flax, ground chia and wheatgerm when no one is looking.)

Cook the oatmeal with the grated apple.  Add cinnamon and vanilla to the pot.  Spoon into bowls and top with raisins, maple syrup (the boys like to see how much I put on) and milk.

It's like a hug in a bowl on a cold fall morning.  I could eat oatmeal everyday.  Sometimes I substitute in some peaches and it tastes pretty close to the peaches and cream prepackaged ones that the kids love, but have half the sugar and way more nutrients.  We've been gradually moving towards the healthier, whole grains out there.  We started with the instant and moved on to the large flake.  Next step is steel cut oats, which I really enjoy but the kids and Hubby find have too much "bite."  Slow and steady- I'll have them eating it yet!