Recipe ReDux Post # 16 Crockpot Pumpkin Apple Oats

The October Recipe ReDux theme is “No-Casserole Crock Pot,” meaning we were encouraged to “craft a healthy new recipe” in a crock pot that is somewhat non-traditional. So....I have absolutely NO experience with crock pots- I do not own one and have never used one so this challenge was completely new territory for me to explore. However I decided to borrow a crock pot from a good friend and neighbor and go for it!  After all I have been wanting to try a fall inspired oatmeal recipe and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I threw in some healthy and seemingly delicious ingredients to the pot, turned it on and after only two tries it was done!( I had to add a bit more spice and sweetness to get it right from the first trial.) These oats are creamy, spicy, lightly sweet and are reminiscent of pumpkin and apple pie! You can also personalize them with fun toppings like walnuts, more fruit, butter or a drizzle of maple syrup. I really enjoyed using the crock pot and am considering getting one of my own so you all may be seeing some more crock pot recipes on my blog.  But for now try these yummy and easy oats and check out the other creative crock pot goodies from the Recipe Redux group.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats (if you are on a gluten-free diet use a gluten-free brand such as Bob’s Red Mill or Trader Joes GF)

1.5 cups water

2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)

½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 cup peeled, chopped apples

3-4 packed tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

a dash of salt (optional)

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a small to medium crock pot (I used a 3 quart size) and heat on low for 3-5 hours depending on desired consistency and that’s it!

Makes 4 cups, 4 servings

Serving size 1 cup  Calories 200 Protein 3 g Carb 36 g Fiber 5 g Sugars 18 g Fat 3 g Saturated fat 0 g Sodium 55 mg