By Marina Guacci

As we get deeper into everyone’s favorite season – don’t fight me on this – we watch as the foliage gets prettier, our coats get heavier, and the mornings get colder. This is the point when our go-to granola bar just doesn’t cut it for breakfast. Before we step foot into freezing weather, we want to eat something that will make us feel warm inside. And what better option than a nice steaming bowl of fall- flavored oatmeal?

The most underrated fall flavor is by far the sweet potato. While it may seem odd to incorporate this starch into your breakfast, it actually tastes delicious! Adding sweet potato to your oatmeal enriches its consistency, and adds natural sweetness and flavor without compromising any of your health goals.

To make the oatmeal: Combine your oats with mashed sweet potato, any kind of milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Top it with some dried cranberries or pecans for some extra texture and crunch! 

 

It isn’t the fall season without a little bit of pumpkin, no matter how “basic” people may claim it is. While a pumpkin spice latte may seem like the right way to kick off your mornings, perhaps opt for something healthier, easier, and something that doesn’t require you to leave your room in the morning.

To make the oatmeal: Simply add pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie spice to your quick oats to achieve the epitome of fall flavors for breakfast. Top it off with some pumpkin seeds if you’re really in the pumpkin mood!

 

Whether you prefer blueberry, cranberry or raspberry, nothing screams fall more than a homemade fruit flavored pie.

To make the oatmeal: All you need is dried or fresh fruit of your choice, maple syrup, and orange juice to mix into your oatmeal. Whether you decide to garnish with pecans, or cinnamon, you won’t be able to tell the difference between your bowl of oatmeal and a slice of fresh fruit cobbler. 

 

 

Maple and cinnamon are quintessential fall flavors. The warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of maple syrup perfectly pair together to capture the essence of the season.  Who says pancakes are the only breakfast food that can use maple syrup? After you indulge in this recipe you’ll never flip another pancake again.

To make the oatmeal: Skip the brown sugar and add maple syrup into your oats until you feel it is sweet enough. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an added boost of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some fruit on top too.

 

Similar to an apple cobbler, this oatmeal recipe will make you feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast – and let’s be real, who is against that?

To make the oatmeal: Combine apples with cinnamon, walnuts, and brown sugar. Them add the mixture into your oats! You’ll be able to recreate the warmth and goodness of your mom’s classic apple pie recipe.