Oatmeal with Maple Apples & Walnuts

1 egg white, beaten

2 tbs. + 1 tsp. maple syrup

2 tsp. dark brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt, divided

2 c. walnut halves

1 tbs. unsalted butter

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, & thinly sliced

1/2 c. maple syrup

1/8 tsp. + 1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 c. milk, optional

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. To make candied walnuts, combine egg white, 2 tbs. + 1 tsp. maple syrup, brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Stir in walnuts, tossing to coat. Spread walnuts on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned, stirring once. Remove from oven. Stir walnuts to release from foil and set aside.

Meanwhile, prepare maple-flavored apples. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apples, 1/2 c. maple syrup, 1/8 tsp. salt, and cinnamon. Sauté 5 minutes or until tender.

To prepare oatmeal, combine 3 1/2 c. water and 1/4 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to boiling. Stir in oatmeal; cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.

To serve, ladle oatmeal into 4 bowls. Stir 2 tbs. milk into each bowl, if desired. Spoon 1/4 of the apple mixture over each serving and sprinkle with 2 tbs. candied walnuts.

4 servings