Healthy warm-up snack for kids: Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal

Many of us are eager for a warm summer in Boston, but we are expecting another winter storm. As the temperature drops, we want to eat comfort food that often has high calories such as macaroni and cheese or creamy soup. We do this because our bodies generate heat as it digests the food we eat, and certain food will make us feel warmer than others. However, we can always choose some healthy food to eat and warm us up. Here is a recipe that people of all ages will enjoy and it is a great after-school snack. Let One for Health help you find the best healthy and nutritious snack for your kids to eat on chilly days and a few easy tips to prepare them!

< INGREDIENTS >

• 3 c. water
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ tsp. Salt (optional)
• 2 c. Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned)
• 1 c. canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ⅓ c. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 container vanilla low-fat or nonfat yogurt
• 3 tbsp. coarsely chopped toasted pecans

 
< DIRECTIONS >

1. In medium saucepan, bring water, pie spice and salt to a boil; stir in oats. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Stir in pumpkin and brown sugar; cook 1 minute. Let stand until desired consistency.
2. Spoon oatmeal into four cereal bowls. Top with yogurt and pecans.

 
< Tips & Techniques >
Microwave Directions: In 3-quart microwaveable bowl, combine water, pie spice, salt and oats. Microwave on high 6 to 7 minutes for quick oats and 9 to 10 minutes for old fashioned oats, or until most of liquid is absorbed. Stir in pumpkin.
 
You can find this amazing recipe from:
http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a16777/pumpkin-pecan-oatmeal-recipe-qkr0212/