Slow Cooker Oats

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What is better on these cold winter mornings than a nice warm breakfast- especially if you can make it the night before! These slow cooker oats are dairy free, easy, and so delicious. Get the recipe below!

FOR THE SLOW COOKER:

  • cooking spray

  • 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats (*do not substitute quick-cooking steel cut or rolled oats)

  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored, and diced

  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries

  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

  • 2 pinches of kosher salt

  • 4 and 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, plus more for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spray a 2-quart or 4-quart slow cooker insert lightly with cooking spray. If you are using a larger volume slow cooker, be sure to double the recipe quantity as this quantity will not cook properly in a 6-quart slow cooker. Slow cookers that run HOT might cause the cooking liquid to evaporate more quickly. This may result in slightly thicker skin or crust developing on the surface of the oats (see below) or sides of the insert. When in doubt, reduce the cook time and adjust as necessary.

  2. Combine the steel cut oats, diced apple, cranberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and almond milk. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours (for firmer oats) to 8 hours (softer oats with the slightest chew), stirring once or twice if possible (if cooking overnight, you can skip this step). As the oats are cooking a thin, dark colored skin may form on top of the oats and they will look slightly dry at first glance. Don’t worry. Go ahead and stir the oats well until they are creamy and smooth, the skin will be absorbed and incorporated by stirring. If you prefer looser oats, stir in an additional half cup or so of almond milk. Serve hot and garnish with toppings as desired.

  3. Leftover oats can be stored in a container in the refrigerator. I always add a generous splash or milk or water before reheating – it loosens the oatmeal and improves the texture tremendously!

Kelley PenroseComment