Ah, the nostalgia-induced calm of sniffing apples and cinnamon. It works every time. Not only does the smell bring you back to a better place, the taste will too. However, study breaks are only so long. At least, ideally, they are only so long.
This recipe is short and absolutely worth every moment in golden stress release, from the beginning to the end.
First, put a nice, big frying pan on the stove, turn the heat to medium and drop in half a square of margarine to melt.
Second, wield your sharpest paring knife in your most reliable hand. Cut up an apple or two into small pieces and put them in the pan (which should be sizzling by now). Sprinkle some cinnamon on them and fry, fry, fry (let yourself forget about the fried state of your tired, over-homeworked brain).
Third, once the apples are pretty soft, add a cup (or however much you want—there is no wrong amount) of oats. If they’re looking pretty dry, add the last half of that margarine (throw all care to the wind—calories are brain food). Also, add some brown sugar. There’s no wrong amount—just until it’s sweet enough for your sensibility (or taste buds—on study breaks you can throw away your sensibility too). Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon.*
Fry, fry, fry. At this stage in the process the smells of the goodness in front of you should be bringing you to the (almost) highest point of your sensual journey. Unless of course you don’t like apples and cinnamon and oats, in which case, you may not deserve a study break.
Then, when the oats are as crunchy as you like them, scoop the mix out and eat it. This is the true climax—the peak of your break. By the time you’re done eating, your homework anxieties will be lulled into blissful thoughts of home and hearth. Who can resist?
*Be creative. Add anything. Molasses. Cloves. Nutmeg. Nuts. Honey. Coconut. Raisins. More sugar. More sugar. More sugar. Remember, this is a study break.
