With Thanksgiving around the corner, the holiday season is officially upon us! For most people that means a whirlwind of work and social events, crowded malls and the sound of your door opening and closing as family and friends come and go to exchange tidings of joy and laughter. The last thing you want to worry about with the onslaught of overnight visitors is what you are going to feed them for breakfast!
Instead of worrying about rising at the crack of down to prepare an elaborate breakfast while your guests are still snoozing, why not let your crock pot do all of the heavy lifting for you?  Filled with warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and tart granny smith apples – these pumpkin-apple oats are perfect for a cozy morning at home with family!
Crock Pot Pumpkin – Apple Steel Cut Oats
- 2 cups steel cuts oats
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 granny smith apples, grated
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: Warm milk, Pecans, Diced apples, Dried cranberries, Cinnamon sugar
The night before breakfast:
Tip: To make things easier for you and your guests, set out a serving spoon, bowls, and utensils next to the crock pot the night before. Include any additional toppings in little ramekins covered with plastic wrap. That way, if you’re not the first one up, your guests won’t need to go rummaging through your cabinets to find everything they need to enjoy a delicious breakfast!
Begin by spraying the base of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. (Please do not skip this step!)
Whisk the pumpkin puree thoroughly into the 8 cups of water.
Combine pumpkin mixture, oats, apples, brown sugar, and spices in your crock pot.
Cover your crock pot, set it on low, and cook for 8 to 10 hours.
To serve in the morning:
The only work you have to do in the morning is give your oats a good stir.
Top them with some pecans and cinnamon sugar, and enjoy a stress-free breakfast!
Jennifer Landis is a 27-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.