(Another) Steel Cut Oatmeal with Apples

After a Valentine's Day weekend binge of all things NOT BOP-safe, I thought I'd share a recipe that IS BOP free AND tasty and healthy to boot! The addition of flax seed and the hearty fiber of steel cut oats, makes this dish warming, filling and full of nutrients. I love that this dish can be thrown into the crock pot the night before and then, when you wake up, you have a hearty breakfast waiting for you.

I've tried a variety of steel cut oatmeal recipes for the crock pot and this one succeeds in not being too mushy and just the right consistency.

Ingredients

• 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 tablespoon ground flax seed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, additional milk or butter

Directions

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.