Easy Breakfast for Weekend Guests

Photos courtesy of Echoes of Laughter.com

When we are entertaining for the weekend, I always love shortcuts that will allow me time to enjoy the company of our friends and family.  Now that cooler weather has arrived, we welcome heartier meals that are comforting foods.  Set up a "Make it Yourself Oatmeal Bar" and let everyone choose their own toppings.  

Slow Cooker Oatmeal 

This recipe will make 10 servings and slow cooks all night .

Ingredients:  1 2/3 cups steel cut oats, 5 3/4 cups water, 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon raisins, 3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon butter, 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Place the steel cut oats, water, raisins, butter, cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla extract into the slow cooker and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar.  Cover the slow cooker, set to low and cook for 8 hours.  This will give you a soft texture oatmeal.  

* 1 2/3 cups peeled and chopped apples can be added for a delicious flavor

A few of my favorite topping choices are dried fruit,  chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup.  If you like bananas as much as I do,  this is a must try.

Top your oatmeal with sliced bananas, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top and drizzle honey over for a sweet taste.  What do you think?

Happy Weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Slow Cook Oatmeal Bar for Easy Breakfast - Kids Love it!

PHOTO courtesy of  POPSUGARFITNESS

  Customizing oatmeal is a fun and easy way to offer your family a healthy breakfast they will like before work or school.  This is a real time saver and I like customizing to your own tastes.  It's a simple slow cooker oatmeal you can put on the night before and wake up to a hot and hearty breakfast. Before you head to bed, grab your slow cooker and coat the inside with butter to keep the oatmeal from sticking.  Add the following:

8 1/2 cups water, 2 cups steel cut oats, 1 3/4 cups whole milk OR 1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cover and cook on LOW until the oats are cooked through and creamy.  About 7-8 hours.  Stir in the vanilla and serve Immediately.

Set out bowls, spoons, and the following toppings in bowls so everyone can dish out the oatmeal and top it with their favorites  

Dried cherries, dried apples, cinnamon, blueberries, brown sugar, coconut, sliced bananas, pineapple chunks, sliced peaches or strawberries and don't forget the maple syrup, butter and milk for creaminess.  

Enjoy and Happy Tuesday!