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Apple Oat Cereal

March 2, 2011

I love cookbooks. I have been collecting them since I was a kid and my husband always makes fun of me because I read a cookbook every night before bed like a normal person reads a magazine or a novel. Almost two years ago I started writing the proposal for the weelicious cookbook. I had no idea if it would ever come to fruition, but I poured my heart into the thought of it becoming a reality. Some thirty odd drafts of it later, William Morrow, publisher for my hero, The Pioneer Woman and Alice Waters, bought the idea and my dream has finally come true. Since the moment I found out, I've been working like a mad scientist in the kitchen, trying to come up with new unique and nutritious recipes for the book. Testing combinations and playing around with ingredients until I find something I think kids and adults alike will enjoy has been a process I've gone through since I first started weelicious 3 1/2 years ago. But actually getting to do all of that for a real book is surreal to me.

It's been a painstaking process for me trying to decide which new recipes should go up here on the site each day versus what should go in the book, but some unexpected things have come out of all the creating, like this recipe. I had been working on an idea for a dessert using walnuts, dates and dried apples but I just couldn't get it to come together on the first few tries. I finally figured it out, but I still ended up with a few extra pounds of dried fruit and nuts. Not knowing exactly what to do with all of it, I tossed it together with some oats and put it aside, figuring I'd work on another recipe idea with it later on. But, little did I know the final product was already complete. The following morning, Kenya saw the container sitting on the counter and said, "I want that cereal for breakfast". After five mornings of him coming into the kitchen and saying the same thing, the container was empty. I started buying more fruit and nuts and making batch after batch of this accidental creation to satisfy his craving. And it's so easy. I love that I don't have to peel, cut or cook anything to make him so happy. Gives me extra time to work on my book!

Apple Oat Cereal  (Makes 8 Servings)

  • Total Time: 2 minutes,

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 cup medjool dates
  • 2 cups dried apple rings
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats

Preparation

  1. 1. Place the first four ingredients into a food processor and pulse for about two minutes to combine until a ball starts to form.
  2. 2. Break apart the mixture into small pieces and place in a separate bowl along with two cups of oats and mix to combine.
  3. 3. Serve.
  4. *The cereal will stay fresh in a sealed container for weeks.

Accompaniments: Whole Milk, Yogurt, Rice Milk, Almond Milk

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Comments






  1. twifenmom

    April 16, 2013 at 8:09 am

    there was a bar recipe similar to this in the book right? but I don’t remember the walnuts?

    • catherine

      April 16, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      Are you thinking of the Fruit and Seed bars?

  2. Amy H.

    February 1, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Just made 2 batches of this cereal….and I’m enjoying a bowl right now….I’m the quality control lady! :) Anyhow, my kids are going to love this! Yummy! Thanks so much for another great recipe!

  3. Stefani

    December 5, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    I have to admit I was reluctant to try this recipe because I personally think dates are so sweet and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten oats “raw” – always prepared some way. But I wanted to try something different and I am so happy I did. It’s not too sweet at all, it’s the perfect amount of sweet and the oats, once they are in milk for a minute or longer, become creamy and oh so good! I was totally shocked. It really is delicious!

  4. Enrique Neary

    May 20, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    Does anyone like it or not but this article is extremely good.

  5. Alissa

    March 5, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    I am beyond thrilled that you have a cookbook coming! Can’t wait :D

  6. Sarah

    March 5, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    This is a very tasty recipe! I also tried mixing the fruit/nut mixture with organic unsweetened “o” cereal and it too is delicious – almost like healthy Apple Jacks. :)

  7. KES

    March 3, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    I read cookbooks before bed too!!
    I am so excited to buy yours soon!
    THANKS

  8. Rachel

    March 3, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Can’t wait to add your cookbook to my collection! After that, can you come out with a time management book to let us know how you do it all? :-)

  9. rachel

    March 3, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    that’s awesome! congratulations. i love your recipes.

  10. dawn

    March 3, 2011 at 12:45 am

    Can’t wait for the cookbook & more great recipes!!! This looks yummy!

  11. yeni

    March 3, 2011 at 12:40 am

    Congrats on the book! I will definitely be in line to purchase it. Hope you can do a book tour and visit South Florida. Would love to thank you in person for the continued inspiration.

  12. Amanda

    March 2, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Such exciting news! Congratulations!

  13. Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama}

    March 2, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Congratulations on your upcoming cookbook! I love this cereal recipe and can’t wait to give it a try.

  14. Melinda P

    March 2, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Congrats!! How exciting!

  15. Pingback: Your cereal is making you fat | Hot and Healthy Mom

  16. Jioanharvest

    March 2, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    Just read that you have a book coming out. I will buy it for sure. I cook for my 20 month old granddaughter. I can use some new ideas especially for lunch. She has never eaten any sugar except the natural sugar in fruit. She adores vegetables and pasta. I have been collecting cookbooks for 40 years. I just love them. Awesome web site.

  17. @HilaryFleming

    March 2, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Catherine! You are so inspirational. Congrats with the cookbook. I’ll be sure to add it to my collection. :) Not sure if you remember me, but I was in Lesly’s class with you for a month or two when you were pregnant with Kenya. Its really amazing to see how far your idea/business has come in such a short time. I wish you and your family all the best! Keep up the good work. I use some of your recipes on a regular basis for my son too. :)

  18. MJ

    March 2, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Congrats!!!

  19. Melinda Allen

    March 2, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Whooo Hooo! A cookbook full of your wonderful recipes! i am so excited! Can’t wait to get it!

  20. Rose

    March 2, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    I too love reading cookbooks but I must admit that I am a cookbook snob. I will only buy books (or check them out of the library…) that have colored pictures for every recipe so I am really hoping that yours will (one of the many reasons why I love your website). But I will be getting your book regardless :-) Can’t wait!!!

    • Jen

      January 17, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      DITTO!!!! It at least needs to have pictures to accompany most of the recipes. I’m very visual and the picture also helps me figure out how things come together in the end so there is less confusion.

    • Krista

      March 2, 2011 at 3:20 pm

      Same here! I only ever make the recipes that have pictures!

    • Britt

      March 2, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      Same! I want to see what the finished product is supposed to look like!

  21. Sarah

    March 2, 2011 at 10:25 am

    Congrats on the book!!! I can’t wait!! I can’t say it enough..but I LOVE your website!

    • Ashlee

      March 2, 2011 at 10:42 am

      +1!!

  22. Heidi

    March 2, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Congratulations on the cookbook! How exciting :D The cereal sounds like it would be great for us. My son loves that kind of thing, and it’s so easy too!

  23. Jeannette

    March 2, 2011 at 10:14 am

    I just learned of this website a few weeks ago and I’m addicted!! Looking forward to your new cookbook.

  24. Jess

    March 2, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Anymore info on when your fabulous cookbook will be available??!!

  25. Fisch Foods

    March 2, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Congratulations!!! I can’t wait until your cookbook comes out!!!