Monday Menu: Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal

One of my favorite breakfast dishes is oatmeal. However, a few years ago, I had to give it up (among other foods) when I discovered my body is intolerant to gluten.

Now that the weather has gotten colder, I've been craving a warm bowl of oatmeal. Last week, I decided to come up with an alternative - a recipe that has the look and taste of oatmeal but is completely gluten free.

I don't want to brag or anything, but...well, you'll see for yourself when you take a bite of Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal. Not only is it a great oatmeal alternative for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it's 100% Daniel Fast friendly. Enjoy!

Apple-Cinnamon Hot Cereal

1 (14.5-ounce) can coconut milk
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 apple, chopped, unpeeled (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 banana, mashed (about 1 cup)  
1 cup roughly chopped dates
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
½  cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Add coconut milk, brown rice, apple, banana, dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat about 10 minutes or until heated through. Stir frequently to prevent burning on bottom of pan. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon pecans or walnuts over each serving.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about ½ cup)

Recipe Notes

• Store chopped dried figs or raisins for the dates.
• Add 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal.
• Makes a great snack or dessert!
• Store unused portion in refrigerator or freeze for later use.