Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

Halloween is quickly approaching! Last year we ran a 5k in Sackets Harbor on Halloween. The "Run Like Hell" was so fun; we dressed up as a cop and jail bird. Even though we came in close to last (my fault--I hate running. My husband is very good, I'm sure he could have won the race if he didn't keep pace with me!), it was a good run. Even better was crossing the finish line, and then being handed a beer at the Brew Pub.

I think it's so cute that my husband always wants to walk down the Halloween candy aisle at the grocery store. He likes to pick out the candy that he would enjoy eating, because, let's be honest, what ever is left over from Halloween will be his treats for the next week (or month)!

Before our home gets taken over by candy, and I lose my willpower to say no to chocolate, I'm trying to eat healthy. I love a warm bowl of steel cut oats on a cold morning. The hearty, chewy texture of steel cut oats is so satisfying in the morning. This recipe will warm your heart and make your taste buds happy.

Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
From pbfingers

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 2 apples, finely chopped - I left the peels on
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine everything in your crock pot, put the lid on, and set to low for 9 hours (overnight). When you wake up, your home will be smelling like a fresh-baked apple pie! I topped my oats with walnut pieces. It didn't need any extra sweetening; the apples were oh-so-sweet, soft and delicious.

Before overnight cooking

After cooking