Overnight Cherry Almond Oatmeal

When my son was first born a year ago, my sweet, sweet friend, Amy sent me a pile of crock pot recipes to try.   She knew I was not a big fan of my crock pot, but wanted to share some ideas with me to help make dinner easier with a newborn at home.

I've only made two of the recipes she sent.  One was for a crock pot mac and cheese.  Which I've made a few times, and is VERY kid friendly.  But its not my favorite recipe.   Amy uses it for play dates, which is perfect.

The one recipe we've adopted into our family is this Cherry Almond Oatmeal.  The first time I made it, I used water like the recipe stated.   It was ok.   Then Amy told me that when she makes it, she uses half milk & half apple cider for the liquids.   Since then, we can't get enough of it.  Now that the chilly temps are back, I've made this for breakfast a few times.  I set up a few bowls of toppings and Evie can make it her own.   She is surprisingly restrained with the chocolate chips, but really loves the cherries and wheat germ.

This is a great and filling breakfast.  It's best for you if your crock pot has a timer on it.    Mine does not.  I set up the first part of the recipe and leave on the counter before I go to bed.   Then I just set my alarm clock for midnight and go downstairs to turn it on.  I think I might start setting it for 2 am and see how it turns out with just 6 hours.   But my husband really likes the crispy part on the bottom, though!  

Also, I have a 6.5 quart crock pot, a long oval.  I really think this would be best in a tall round crock pot.  Less surface area.  As a matter of fact, next time I make this, I'll borrow my friends and update this post to let you know what I think.

Overnight Cherry Almond Oatmeal
recipe adapted from Today's Diet and Nutrition Magazine
1.5 cups steel cut oats
3 cups whole milk
3 cups apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Add the first six ingredients to the crock pot.  Mix well, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (overnight).

When you are ready to serve it, add the cherries, almonds, wheat germ and chocolate chos.  If desired, top with a little splash of milk.  

You can refrigerate the left overs for up to 5 days.