Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal with Apples and Stir-Ins – Also in the Instant Pot!

This oat meal can also be made in the Instant Pot with perfect results.  See my notes  below.  I love this recipe! It is so adaptable, you can make it any which way you like. A great make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, and it is actually better re-heated.  No waiting for oatmeal to cool!  You can also double the recipe and freeze individual portions. What you need to figure out, however, is how long to cook it in your slow cooker since each one is different. I suggest to start testing it after 6 hours. The first time I made this, I cooked it for 7 hours. It was a little mushy, but when I reheated it the next day, the flavor was a big wow!

1 large apple, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped)
2 cups almond milk (or any type milk)
2 cups water
1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces
1/2 t. ginger
1-2 teaspoons cinnamon (start with 1 t. and add additional if desired, after cooked)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 T.  diced orange peel – orange part only – no white – (optional, but delicious – adds fruit cake flavor)

Stir ins:
1/3 c. dried cranberries, raisins, or any dried fruit
2 T. sliced almonds

Coat inside of 4 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray (DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!)

Add all ingredients (except stir-ins) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for approx. 6 hours (slow cooker times can vary – you may want to cook longer).

Add stir-ins and mix well.

I like to let the oatmeal rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes to finish.

Adjust liquids to taste.  I usually add another 1-2 cups of almond milk, then add desired almond milk to individual serving bowl.

If re-heating, you may want to add a little additional milk.

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

You can freeze individual portions and re-heat in the microwave for 1 minute on 50 percent power.

NOTE:  When you store leftovers, oatmeal will soak up additional milk, so if you are storing, wait until you reheat leftovers to add additional milk.

NOTE 2:  For Instant Pot, cook 15 minutes on high, turn to off, and natural release pressure for 20 minutes
I like to let the oatmeal rest, uncovered, for 10 or longer minutes to finish and add more milk as desired

Adapted from the yummy life