The Yummy Health Nutty Pick of the Week

If you love apple crisp, you'll probably love the pick of the week!

There's just something about cinnamon, sugar, and warm baked apples smothered in a buttery batter. You drooling yet?

Since I'm up for trying new things, and finding healthy alternatives, I tried making a healthy breakfast that sort of resembles an apple crisp. I used steel cut oats in place of rolled oats, and maple syrup in place of brown sugar. Then I added in some other delicious nutritious ingredients you and your fam will love! Let's talk first about the health benefits of steel cut oats. Here goes!

Steel cut oats are loaded with great nutrients. I'm talkin' fibre, B Vitamins, iron, and protein. And to top it off, they're low in fat!

So what's the diff between rolled oats and steel cut oats? 

Diabetes Health describes the process like this: "Steel-cut oats are whole grains, made when the groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) are cut into pieces by steel. Also known as coarse-cut oats or Irish oats, they are golden and look a little like small pieces of rice. They gain part of their distinctive flavor from the roasting process after being harvested and cleaned. Although the oats are then hulled, this process does not strip away their bran and germ, allowing them to retain a concentrated source of their fiber and nutrients (www.diabeteshealth.com). Load me up!

In addition, using maple syrup is a great substitute for sugar. In an article recently written in the Toronto Sun, research has shown that, in moderation, maple syrup may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer properties and contains great minerals like calcium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium (www.thestar.com). Many other sources speak of real maple syrup being a great boost for the immune system, and can soothe a sore stomach (www.health.com).

Wanna give this healthy cinnamon apple dish a try? You get the similar flavours to a delicious crisp, yet you're getting some great fuel to start your day. I've literally been eating this for breakfast for a week straight. Let's just say, I'm pretty much in love with it. 

The oh so yummy Pick of the Week? Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats! Here's what you need:

Health Nutty Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

3/4 cup prepared steel cut oats

1 apple, diced into bite sized pieces 

2 tbsp raisins

2 tsp hemp hearts

1/4 cup rice milk, coconut milk, or almond milk

1 tbsp maple syrup 

cinnamon to taste

When the oats are done cooking, have your diced apple and raisins ready in bowl. Pour 3/4 cup of hot steel cut oats over top. Add the last 4 ingredients. 

Enjoy!


The apple is still crunchy when you prepare it this way. I prefer to keep it raw, but if you would rather your apples be more cooked through, add them to the pot in the steel cut oats in the final moments of cooking.

References

http://diabeteshealth.com/read/2010/02/09/6558/whats-the-deal-with-steel-cut-oats/

http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/nutrition/2010/03/22/heres_why_maple_syrup_is_very_good_for_your_health.html

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20464527,00.html