Late last week, somehow, while no one was looking, autumn flew by and winter blew in. It’s an achingly beautiful look — trees still completely covered with gold or red leaves, shivering in the foreground of a white crystalline landscape, the lake dark grey in the distance. And it’s really cold, unexpectedly so, so here’s what I’m having this morning. It’s a lot of flavor for breakfast, and they’re all the right kinds. You might smile while you’re eating it.

• 1/2 c. rolled oats
• 1/2 small apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1-1/2 c. water
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp. flax meal
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, scant
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1-2 Tbsp. toasted walnuts, chopped coarsely

In a medium saucepan, heat the oats, apple, water, and salt over medium heat. Heat 5-8 minutes until simmering, lower heat to medium-low, and cook 5 minutes more until apple softens. Stir often.

Add the vanilla, olive oil, flax meal and cinnamon, and stir well. Pour into a serving bowl and top with the walnuts. Oh, wow, is that good!