Last night before I went to bed, I realized I'd need a serious pick-me-up in the morning. And then I remembered that I bought steel-cut oatmeal at Beachy's on Saturday and went to work. I love oatmeal. (Here are some of my other oatmeal recipes, in case you're interested.)

Steel-cut oats have to be cooked for a long time, hence the slow-cooker, but they are worth the planning and the need to soak your crock afterward. They are a little chewy and really creamy and just a delicious, solid breakfast to start your day well. Here's the recipe I used, based off the recipe here:

Slow-Cooked Maple Craisin Oatmeal

1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats

4 cups water (this filled my small, two-quart crock pot to the brim, but you could add more water if you're using a bigger pot, up to 6 cups)

1/4 cup craisins

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

Combine in slow cooker and cook on low overnight, at least eight hours.

Edit: If you're out of Craisins, this recipe is perfectly delicious without them. Trust me, I've tried it.