Apple Cider Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal

My family has recently discovered steel cut oats.  They haven't been run through a bunch of processes other than a quick cut so when they cook they aren't mushy like quick or regular oats.

If you are looking for a warm, nutritious breakfast but don't have the time in the morning, try this oatmeal recipe.  You can throw all of the ingredients into the crock pot before bed, set a timer (in the electric section of the store that will turn your crock pot on and off for you based on how you set it) or program on your crock pot and you're off to sleep.  The oatmeal cooks without effort and in the morning you will have an aroma that smells like baked apple pie filling your kitchen.

This recipe makes plenty and you can save the leftovers in the fridge to heat up for another tasty quick breakfast. I made ours for dessert since I was testing the time needed to cook and wanted to be awake during the process.  After our family of four we devoured our share, there were still 2-3 servings to be re-heated for breakfasts.

Apple Cider Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal                                   Printable Recipe

3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped

2 cups apple cider (or use 3-1/2 cups and leave out the water)

1-1/2 cups water

1 cup steel cut oats ( I used organic Bob's Red Mill)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon sugar (I used raw)

Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts and pure maple syrup

To keep the burning to a minimum I placed a heat safe baking dish inside my crock pot.  The heat transfers to the dish but didn't seem to be as hot as the crock itself.

Place all of your ingredients except the nuts and syrup into the dish and stir.   I used Granny Smith but if you prefer a sweeter baking apple feel free to use another kind.

Place lid on crock pot and cook on LOW for 6 hours.  I did mine during the day and set my timer for 7 hours.  At 6 hours mine was done and may have been sooner if I had checked on it.  Every appliance is different so try yours out during the day and see how long it takes yours to cook.

The apples will still be on top but with a gentle stir it will combine nicely.  I did have one side brown but I am not sure if that is due to the length of time needed for my crock pot or if I didn't have it centered.

 Drizzle on a little pure maple syrup for some sweet, top with nuts if you like and enjoy!