In a medium pot, add almond milk and bring to a boil.
Core and dice apple into ½ inch pieces.
Add apple to pot and reduce to medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until apple starts to soften.
Put pecans in a bullet blender or food processor and pulse until finely ground. If using dates, you can also put them in the blender to chop finely.
Add all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Cook for a few more minutes until everything thickens.
If using collagen powder, add last. Stir while pouring in the collagen to prevent it from caking.
Hot cereal will continue to thicken as it cools due to the chia seeds.
Notes
**For paleo, sweeten with maple syrup or to taste. For low carb, sweeten with monk fruit or stevia sweetener to taste. For Whole30, use ¼ cup of chopped medjool dates.Protein powder will add some creaminess as well as some satiating protein to this cereal. If using a sweetened protein powder, sweeten to taste after the protein powder is added because it might be too sweet if you add sweetener first. If using whey protein, you may need to add a bit more almond milk.