Overnight Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

It has been a rainy, cold, wet couple of days here in the northeast. The kind of days that let you know winter is not far off and it's going to be quite some time before spring and warmth return. I thought that, since the cold is starting early this year, I would share with you readers one of my favorite cold weather breakfasts.

This is a great thing to throw on before you go to bed or to put on as you leave the house for a long day of skiing or hiking. It makes your house smell fantastic and it's just the thing to warm you all the way through once you come back inside from the cold.

You will need:

5 ½ c. water    

1  c. steel cut oats   

½ c. regular barley (not quick-cooking) 

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground ginger 

¼ tsp. salt 

¼ c. brown sugar 

2 medium apples, chopped 

1 cup raisins (optional)

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6-7 hours. If you cook it any higher, the sides will burn.

To serve: top with chopped pecans, honey and/or milk, if desired.

Makes 8 servings

Happy eating!