I absolutely love this slow-cooked oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family sprinkles toasted pecans on top whenever possible.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1-1/2 cups steel-cut oats
• 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 large apple, chopped
• optional: sliced apples, toasted pecans and additional maple syrup

Directions

1. In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 7 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in chopped apple. If desired, top servings with apple slices, pecans and syrup.