Slow Cooker, Steel-Cut Oatmeal

2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2 inch pieces [i don't peel mine and cut smaller]
1 1/2 cups fat free milk [i have used almond unsweetened to save calories- even powdered milk - you wont notice]
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar [i have also used vanilla syrup and less sugar]
1/2 tablespoons butter, optional [i have used coconut oil to coat crock pot]
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground flax seed [sometimes omit, but always add 1 tablespoon chia seed]
1/4 tsp salt
[original recipe ends there but sometimes I add 2 mashed bananas, some dried blueberries, or other fruit to vary the flavor]

Coat inside of 3 1/2 quart of larger slow cooker with cooking spray. [or place smaller glass bowl in water and cook ingredients in bowl for easier cleanup] Add all ingredients to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for approx 7 hours. When done you can top with chopped nuts or milk.

Makes 6 1 cup servings. I dish them into 1 cup containers - let cool. Just reheat to desired warmth and you have breakfast for most of the week!!! The consistency is very thick--like eat it with a fork thick -- so if you want more of a traditional cereal try 3/4 cup oats and add some milk as you reheat.

Enjoy! Original recipe on www.theyummylife.com/recipes/105 With 7 3/4 cup servings as written 149 calories. With my additions and 1 cup serving calories at 208.