Don’t let the name of this recipe fool you. Tart from the cranberries, sweet from the apple cider, and warm and gooey from the slow-cooked steel cut oats, this oatmeal tastes remarkably like cherry cobbler. Don’t ask how I got from cran-apple to cherry (sweet and tart, remember???), just go with it.

Even though this is naturally sweetened steel cut oatmeal we’re talking about, it may even be too rich for breakfast. (But don’t worry, I won’t tell!) I mean, I really can’t overstate the uncanny resemblance between this dish and cherry cobbler.

Regardless of when your hunger strikes, this deliciously fruity porridge will go perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a creamy latte, or a sizeable scoop of vanilla ice cream. I’ll leave the choice up to you!

Cranberry Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal (Slow Cooker)

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1 cup whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups unsweetened Apple Cider (0r apple juice)
• 1/2 cup milk (I used organic nonfat milk)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed

Method:

1. Lightly coat the inside of a programmable slow cooker with oil or cooking spray.
2. Pour all ingredients into the slow cooker, then stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4.5 to 5 hours. I use a programmable slow cooker so that I can get more than five hours of sleep and still wake up to warm oatmeal. (Once the oatmeal is done cooking the programmed amount of time, the slow cooker automatically switches to a ‘warm’ setting and holds the food warm.)
4. Divide into 4 bowls and serve immediately, or put leftover servings into the fridge for later. To reheat individual servings, simply microwave on high for 1 ½ to 2 minutes.

Nutrition per serving: 300 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 51g carbohydrates (9g fiber, 15g sugar), 10g protein, 20mg sodium, 1% Vitamin A, 6% Vitamin C, 12% Iron, 8% Calcium

– Kelly