Recipe: I tried Jennifer Garner's oatmeal, you should too

Back in March, everybody's favorite actress Jennifer Garner shared her go-to oatmeal recipe as part of her #PretendCookingShow series on Instagram.

I read all about it a few months ago and apparently filed it away in my brain because when my daughter asked to get some apple cinnamon instant oatmeal packets at the store, I said, "Nope! We can make it at home."

That's exactly what we did together the very next day. And, to my absolute surprise, she preferred it over the sugar-filled instant oatmeal she originally requested.

This recipe is so quick and easy to make. We did it on a weekday morning as we both got ready for the day. And it's definitely something you could make ahead and heat up in the morning.

Jennifer Garner's Favorite Oatmeal

Adapted from Taste of Home

3 cups water
2 medium tart apples, chopped (I didn't peel my apples, but Jennifer does)
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
Dash of salt
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (The recipe calls for 1/4 cup, but 2 tablespoons as Jennifer recommends is plenty!)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serve with chopped almonds, raisins, maple syrup and/or milk

In a large pan over medium heat, boil the water. Add the apples, oats and salt. Cook it for about five minutes, stirring every minute or so.

Remove the oatmeal from the heat, stir in the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Once the oatmeal is served, mix in the almonds, raisins, syrup and/or milk.

This made four servings.

Here's Jennifer doing her thing ...

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