Apple Cinnamon Crockpot Oatmeal

I know that cooking oatmeal is not time consuming or even difficult to do on the stove; however, I still like to put everything in, turn it on, and walk away.  This version especially intrigued me, because it gave me freezer instructions, as well. I adapted it for my family's tastes. The whole family is loving this on these single digit cold mornings.

 

Ingredients
1 c old fashioned oats
1 c steel cut oats (you can use all old fashioned oats, too. We just like the texture of these.)
1/4 c flax seed (shhhhh..don't tell the kids I added something to make it healthier.  You can leave this out, as well.)
4 c milk
4 tbl brown sugar
2 tbl vanilla
2 tbl cinnamon
2 chopped apples (I have also used pears, bananas, and blueberries so far...apples have been the favorite.)

Directions
Prepare the crock pot by spraying generously with cooking spray.  Combine all ingredients and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 4-6. Check occasionally for desired texture and consistency.  Do you like it creamy or more on the dry side?

Now for the part, I was most anxious about...to freeze it for quick school morning breakfasts.

 

 

To serve from frozen, take out of the freezer, unwrap, and place in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes.  We like ours with more milk on top. Try it out and let us know how you liked it.

Adapted from crockpot365