This is a delicious way to eat oatmeal even if you skip the brûlée and simply eat the oatmeal with the apples and walnuts stirred in, but the caramelized top makes it extra special. I find that steel cut oatmeal tastes even better the next day, so feel free to follow the steps to prepare the oatmeal in advance and then make the apples when you are ready to serve.