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1
Preheat your oven to 350F degrees, and chop your apples with skin on into 1 - 1/2 inch chunks.
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2
Set a 9 inch cast iron skillet over medium heat on your stove top and melt the butter; increase the heat to medium-high and allow the butter to brown in the pan until fragrant and golden. Once browned, immediately reduce heat to medium, add in the apples, maple syrup, lemon zest & 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Stir mixture with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon to evenly coat the apples and cook for 3-5 minutes over medium heat or until tender. Stir in the pecans, gently tossing to coat with everything else - set aside.
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3
In a large mixing bowl, stir together rolled oats, quick oats, flax seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Add in milk, applesauce and vanilla; stir until everything is well mixed. Next, pour in the cooked apple mixture from the skillet and stir to combine. Pour mixture back into the skillet.
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4
Sprinkle the top with a little bit of brown sugar {don't skip this part because it really makes for the most delicious, crunchy, caramelilzed top to your oatmeal}, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until thick and golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minute or so in the skillet.
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5
Serve warm with additional milk or whip cream.
