Overnight, Slow Cooker Steel Cut oats with apples

* 2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped)
* 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
* 1-1/2 cups water
* 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons ground flax seed (optional, I did not calculate this into the recipe)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, additional milk or butter

Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours. Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.

To reheat single servings: Put 1-cup cooked oatmeal in microwave proof bowl. Add 1/3 cup fat-free milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking for another minute, or until hot.

Recipe can be doubled in 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Increase cooking time 1 hour.

Serving Size: makes aprx 4-6 servings

Number of Servings: 5

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user MICHELLELEA77.