Apple Cinnamon Crock Pot Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 4 medium tart baking apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4–1 cup packed brown sugar (to taste)
• 8 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 stick butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 cups steel-cut oats
• 1 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
2. Spray the inside of a crock pot with cooking spray. Add the apple mixture to the crock pot.
3. Add the water, milk, butter, vanilla extract, steel-cut oats, and raisins (if using). If using pecans or walnuts, add them now. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or overnight.
5. If using sliced almonds, stir them in near the end of cooking or just before serving. Serve warm.