Most mornings seem to be crazy and then you add breakfast to it and you end up giving your kids something quick and easy.  Well I have found the perfect fast and easy breakfast that is packed with nutrients and will keep you and your kids feeling full longer.  Add some fruit, milk and brown sugar to make it a complete breakfast.

*Note: Steel cut oats are essential in this recipe. Quick oats or regular rolled oats won’t hold up to the long cooking time in the slow cooker.  Also, the liquid measurement completely depends on how you like your oatmeal.  If you like to add milk or liquid to your oatmeal in the morning when serving it, you will then add the 6 cups of water.  If you don’t like to add a little milk or liquid when serving it then you will add all 8 cups of water.  Judge the liquid-to-oats ratio based on how you like to eat your oatmeal.  

Ingredients:

• 6-8 cups water (see note above)
• 2 cups steel cut oats
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup dried blueberries (optional)

Directions:

Lightly coat the inside of a 4-5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir. Cook for 7-8 hours on low. Stir thoroughly before serving with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Serve immediately. The leftover oatmeal can be portioned into tupperware-like containers and refrigerated to be reheated and enjoyed for 3-4 days.

Recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe