Transforming leftovers into something new is one of my favorite things to do during the holidays. If you don’t do this, you’re likely to get sick of all of it, but if you do, you’re eating the same food, but it’s different food. Amazing, right? It’s also easy and quick, since most of your ingredients are already cooked. And for me, it’s fun, since I love being creative in the kitchen.
I woke up late this morning prepared to have a nice lazy day, so I was in the mood for a warm, sweet, comforting breakfast. To me, that usually means oatmeal. I see a lot of recipes around this time of year for “apple pie oatmeal”, “pumpkin pie oatmeal”, etc., and sure enough we had leftover apple pie AND pumpkin pie in the fridge. I incorporated both into my oatmeal, and here’s what I ended up with:
Pumpkin Apple Pie Oatmeal
- 1/3 cup oats
- 2/3 cup water or milk of your choice (cow’s, almond, soy, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon leftover pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 cup leftover apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 packet Stevia (if you want the oats a little sweeter)
- 1 tablespoon nuts of your choice (I used some sugared walnuts we had in the pantry)
In a small saucepan, heat the oats and water or milk on medium heat. When the liquid is about half evaporated, add the apple pie filling so that it warms through. Cook the oats until they’re at the consistency you want – some like their oatmeal thicker (less liquid), and some like it soupier (more liquid). I try to go for a happy medium between the two. Once they’re done, pour the mixture into a bowl and add the pumpkin pie filling, cinnamon, and Stevia if using. Stir it all together, and top with the nuts. Curl up, preferably next to a fire, and fuel up for your lazy day!
