Sunday, June 9, 2013

A better recipe for overnight crockpot oatmeal (and a bonus!)

I followed the recipe of a heavily shared facebook post for overnight crockpot oatmeal, but it wasn’t clear enough, generating tons of questions. Reading through others results led me to this version. Yes, I peeled the apples, Yes, you HAVE to use steel cut oats. Everyone complaining about bland taste should realize that we have been conditioned to want double or triple the sugar in those little instant  packets. It’s an acquired taste to get past that.

So here goes...

Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal

Use liner or spray crock with cooking spray. Place 2 sliced apples, 1/4 to 1/3 cup brown sugar-packed tight, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, & a pinch salt in the bottom of the crock pot.

Pour in 2 cups of steel-cut oats, 2 cups of almond or coconut milk and 2 cups water.

Do not stir.

Cook overnight for 8 hours maximum on low. (actually 5-6 hours would be enough) This makes a lot!  I recommend a liner for sure, to guarantee no sticking.  

NOTES: small diced apple pieces would be ok, they will hold form. I cannot stress enough to use the steel cut oats...they had a nutty natural flavor that really made this delicious. You can cut this recipe in half and pour into a 4 cup pyrex measuring cup---easy cleanup.

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OK, so now here is the bonus. This stuff made 8 GENEROUS portions...No way will we go through all of that in a few days...so I made my own copycat recipe of Quaker Oatmeal To Go.

I broke up the big clumps and added some more cinnamon and pumpkin spice and a 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. I shaped them into patties and baked (on parchment) as 'cookies' for breakfast on the go. It took at least 20 minutes at 350° so you should do a small batch and determine the time for your cookie size and oven behavior. Just poke one and see if it is taking a more solid form. I then turned oven off and let them dry out a tad longer. Remember, there are moist apples in there. I took a really small amount of powdered sugar and made a simple drizzle for on top. Looks and tastes similar to Quaker Oatmeal To Go, but mine is so much better for you. My picky teenager took one bite and loved em..Then took another one before leaving the kitchen. I guess it's a hit! Note: As they sit, they seem to want to go back to being moist, so only bake as many as will be eaten warm from the oven. I only baked 8.

Other delicious things to add...minced dates, raisins, almonds pieces, dark chocolate pieces, coconut--- just watch how much you do add or this becomes less healthy breakfast option.




My canister of Quaker Steel Cut Oats had just the ONE ingredient listed on the side. Now look at the bars they sell as Breakfast To Go. At least we can make a choice.