Apple Pie Cauliflower Oats

I went apple picking last week, and am enjoying eating the delicious and fresh apples in my meals! I have actually gone apple picking every fall out at apple orchards near Boston. It’s a classic New England fall activity, and is so fun! My first two years of college, I went to an orchard called Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Mass as part of a women in STEM club excursion! It is a really cool and large orchard with baked goods, animals, and hayrides as well as many different apple trees. It gets pretty busy - especially the line for apple cider donuts with ice cream (but it’s worth waiting in line).

This is one of my best friends Rebeca - we were suitemates freshman year and have been friends ever since! She is an excellent apple picking buddy!

My junior and senior year, I went to an apple orchard that is closer to campus called Dowse Farms, which is much quieter and is just apple trees and some pumpkin patches. It is very peaceful out there and reminded me of being out in the country back home in Minnesota! So if you are looking to go apple picking in Massachusetts, those are my recommendations!

Today I used some of the apples I picked to make apple pie oats for a tasty and quick breakfast! The cauliflower is optional, but adds some hidden veggies and vitamins!

Ingredients

⅓ cup riced cauliflower (I used frozen)

½ cup oats

¼ to ⅓ cup milk

2 tbsp finely chopped apple (and more for topping, about ¼ cup at least)

¼ cup applesauce

Splash of vanilla extract

Dash of cinnamon

Steps

1. Mix and heat the riced cauliflower, oats, milk, and 2 tbsp chopped apple on a stovetop.

2. While this is heating, sauté chopped apple with coconut oil and cinnamon in a pan. Keep an eye on the oats and stir occasionally.

3. Once the oats have absorbed most of the milk and the apple pieces have softened, pour this mixture into a bowl. Add applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and the sautéed apple pieces.

4. Let cool slightly and enjoy! I sprinkled some sunflower seeds and Bare Snacks apple chips on top for some crunch, and topped it off with a spoonful of crunchy peanut butter.

P.S. how cute is my spoon with a teapot on the handle? I love mini things, and this utensil is extra cute from the teapot!