My favorite slow cooker breakfast - Slow Cooker Oatmeal!

Breakfast..... The most important meal of the day! Well it should be anyways.... I always make breakfast for my kids but many times I forget myself. Many times I will make the kids' breakfast and then an hour later after I have had one LARGE cup of coffee to wake myself up I will make eggs or have some fruit. While I love breakfast foods I find it difficult to eat in the mornings.... hence why I LOVE breakfast for dinner. It may be the only time I will actually feel like eating it. 
Around our house I want to make sure both Jack and Lucy have had something they enjoy that is filling first thing in the morning. Breakfast is the only meal where I may make more than one thing just to make sure they both get a jump start in their day. Jack is my picky eater but will eat the majority of breakfast foods. In fact the only meat he will eat for me is bacon! Jack loves everything from eggs, waffles, pancakes, or cereal. Lucy will always choose oatmeal if given the choice. We usually make simple instant oatmeal packets in the microwave or I will have pre-made freezer oatmeal cups that I can heat up. Any way she can get it Lucy is absolutely obsessed with oatmeal! My favorite way to make oatmeal these days is in the slow cooker. There are two recipes that are my go-to slow cooker oatmeal recipes. You just add the ingredients before going to bed, set your crockpot on warm or low (depending on your slow cooker), and wake up to smell a delicious hearty breakfast waiting for you. When I make these...I eat breakfast right away because after smelling how delicious these are I just can't resist! You won't be able to either! 

Apple Cinnamon Slow Cooker Oatmeal

• 2 apples cut into slices
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 2 cups oatmeal (old fashioned or  steel cut oats are my preference)
• 4 cups water (or 2 cups milk of your choice and 2 cups water.... I use almond milk and water)

Stir apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Place the covered apples at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour uncooked oatmeal over the top, followed by your water or milk. DO NOT STIR! Place the lid on your crockpot and set on low or warm overnight for 8-9 hours. In the morning ENJOY!

Overnight Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

• 1 1/2 cup of steel cut oats
  
• 4 1/2 cups of water depending on how thick or thin you want your oatmeal
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (I recommend Libby's)
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar depending on your taste

Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and place on low for 6-8 hours. Season with more brown sugar in the morning if you like. I like to garnish my oatmeal with raisins, craisins, or pecans. It's like immersing yourself in fall with every bite!