Let's Have Brunch - Overnight Oatmeal

There is nothing better on a cool morning than a nice hot bowl of oatmeal. Even as a child I liked oatmeal - especially when it was topped with brown sugar or raisins. This recipe makes having "real" oatmeal easy since it is cooked overnight in a slow cooker. Great for all those busy working mothers who want to give their children a good start to their day.

Overnight Oatmeal

 

Vegetable shortening. for the slow cooker

1 cup whole milk, plus more for serving

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup steel-cut oats

2 apples peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Toppings such as almonds, pecans, chocolate chips, maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, dried cranberries, fresh berries or your child's favorite toppings, for serving

 

1. Generously grease a 5-6 quart slow cooker with the shortening.

 

2. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and 4 cups water. Gently stir in the oats, apples and butter. Cook, covered, on low until the apples are broken down and the oats are tender, 8 hours (some oatmeal will stick to the slow cooker).

 

3. Gently stir the oatmeal, then spoon into bowls. Add additional milk, if desired, and sprinkle with your favorite toppings.