Crockpot Morning Glory Oatmeal

This crockpot oatmeal recipe riffs on a Morning Glory Muffin. Steel-cut oats slow-cooked over night with carrots, apples, pineapple, raisins and spices. In the morning, you'll wake up to delightful cinnamon smells and a pot full of delicious creamy oatmeal. What's more glorious than that?

You can certainly cook your oats over the stove-top in the morning. But usually you must simmer and stir for a good 30 minutes. Throwing them in the crockpot saves oodles of time in the morning and creates a creamier texture. Plus I don't risk overboiling milk or burning oatmeal to the bottom of my pot... not that that's ever happened...

And speaking of creamy - let's talk milks. I prefer to use milk over water when making oatmeal because it adds more flavor. I'd recommend using skim milk or even almond milk rather than whole milk for this recipe. I think whole milk might lead to far too heavy of an oatmeal. Plus, you can always splash a bit of half & half into your bowl if you really want to take the oatmeal over the top.

Once you're up and moving, gives those oats a stir. Top with a spoonful of toasted coconut and pecan pieces. Drizzle honey over your bowl if you prefer sweeter oatmeal.

A crockpot full of oatmeal is great for a house full of family - especially over the holidays. Folks simply help themselves to warm and spicy oatmeal whenever they roll out of bed. But it also makes for a quick breakfast before work. Stash the oatmeal in air tight containers, and zap in the microwave on your way out the door.

Crockpot Morning Glory Oatmeal

Ingredients

For the oatmeal

· 2 cups steel-cut oatmeal

· 1 granny smith apple, peeled and diced

· 1 cup carrots, grated

· 1 cup crushed pineapple

· 1 cup raisins

· 8-10 cups skim milk

· ½ cup brown sugar

· 1 tsp salt

· 1 tbsp vanilla extract

· 2 tbsp cinnamon

· 2 tsp ginger

· ½ tsp ground clove

· ½ tsp nutmeg

For the topping

· 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted

· 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

· Half & half

· Honey

In the bowl of a crockpot, combine all ingredients for the oatmeal. Reserve 2 cups of the milk. Cook overnight on low for 8 hours.

Thoroughly stir the oatmeal. Drizzle in the remaining 2 cups of milk to reach preferred thickness. Ladle into a bowl and top with toasted coconut and pecans. Drizzle with half & half and honey if desired.

Serves 8 - 10

Notes

You can easily substitute the skim milk for nut or soy milks. Pick your preference!

Gluten Free Friendly!

Double check your nutrition labels to ensure the oats and nuts are processed in a gluten free facility.