Apple Crisp Oatmeal and Fall Fruits

With school starting  and the end of summer, you and your kids can use as much healthy energy as possible! It’s extremely important to start your day out right by getting a filling and nutritious breakfast. Buy some seasonal fall fruits, like apples, pears, grapes, oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines,  from your local farmer’s market or organic grocery store to eat fresh or freeze and use later for a tasty smoothy or afternoon snack.

Eating fruits as a part of a healthy diet may protect against certain cancers according to the Institute of Food Research. Also, oranges and grapefruits are rich in folate, which helps form red blood cells necessary for our bodily functions. Dietary fiber from fruits helps prevent constipation and keeps the digestive system healthy.

Set a good example for your child and get into the habit of eating fruit every day. Stock up on fresh (store fresh fruits in refrigerator, except bananas!), frozen, and canned fruits (choose canned fruit packed in water or juice instead of syrup!) so you can always have some on hand. Sliced apples with peanut butter is a classic snack every kids loves. Use extra apple slices to make apple sauce and freeze for later or try this tasty recipe that’s perfect for a energizing breakfast or healthy dessert (or add ice cream for a not-so-healthy dessert)!

Apple Crisp Oatmeal

4 cups cooking apples, peeled and sliced

1 cup Oatmeal, uncooked

1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 Tsp. ground cinnamon

1/3 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Place the apple slices in a 9X9″ greased casserole dish. Combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix melted butter with dry ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle crumb mixture over apples. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until apples are tender. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy!

(Each serving provides: 205 calories, 2g protein, 19g carbs, 7.5g fat, 159mg sodium, 4g fiber)

What kind of fall fruit recipes do you like to cook? Please share with us!