Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan of oatmeal to begin with.  I will also say that the vanilla protein powder we have on hand isn’t very new and I’ve never been a fan of it’s flavor (I need to find a new vanilla protein that I actually like…..any suggestions?).  I was very excited to try this recipe as it seemed perfect for this time of year and just sounded so good.  For the most part, it was good.  I wouldn’t say it tasted like pumpkin pie though.  The vanilla protein mixture to add to the top of the oatmeal was the part I wasn’t thrilled about.  I tasted the oatmeal before adding this to it and it tasted much better (in my opinion).  Once I added the protein powder mixture to the top of the oatmeal, it just tasted too much like vanilla protein and nothing like the pumpkin pie oatmeal that it was suppose to be.  I would definitely try making this again if I had a good tasting vanilla protein powder.

PUMPKIN PIE OATMEAL

Serves 1

¼ cup low-fat milk (or soy or almond milk)
6 tbsp water
¼ cup old-fashioned oats
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1/8 cup canned pumpkin, unsalted
1/8 cup sliced almonds
Stevia or any other Clean Eating approved sweetener, to taste (optional)
1/8 cup water
½ scoop vanilla protein powder

In a small pot, bring milk and water to a boil over medium heat.  Add oats, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the liquid is absorbed, stir in pumpkin, almonds and sweetener (if desired); set aside.

Combine water and protein powder in a separate bowl.  Mix with a fork until protein is dissolved.  For a smoother consistency, mix powder with water in a blender or food processor and blend until protein is dissolved.  If sweetener is desired, choose your favorite natural sweetener, such as stevia.

Pour protein mixture over oatmeal and serve.