In just a couple days I’ll be on a jet plane on my way to Scotland to enjoy an amazing 2 weeks of incredible scenery with my husband and sister-in-law. We are all very excited. Oh and I did I happen to mention, I am also running another marathon and my sister-in-law is pumped to be running a 5K. We both feel pretty damn lucky!
Packing kind of sucks however! If you think it’s difficult packing for an international trip, try adding running gear to the mix. I need my pre-race fuel, fuel for the marathon, running shoes, Brooks wind/rain jacket, snacks, etc. OMG. Plus it is mostly likely going to be raining and since we are in the middle of no where at the start of the race, I’ll need throw away clothes to keep me warm for a couple hours before the start of my race. Of course the goal is to pack light. Ask me how that is going?.
Speaking of rain…we’ve had our share of Scottish weather! It’s been raining off and on for days here. I certainly picked the perfect Sunday Morning lazy day brunch recipe since it was a cool rainy day. These Overnight Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats hit the spot!
And did you know that 1 cup of steel-cut oats makes 4 servings of oatmeal. Steel-cut oats expand a lot when cooked so make sure you add the 1:4 oats to milk/water ratio. My husband says to me as we were enjoying our oats, “this would make a perfect pre-race meal!” So true, but one never knows what we’ll find in Scotland, but hoping for the best.
This is my first time making steel cut oats in my Instant pot using the slow cooker method. Next time I may try the Instant Pot method but I prefer soaking my oats over night. This recipe is made deliciously flavorful with apples and cinnamon!
INGREDIENTS FOR STEEL CUT OATMEAL WITH APPLES & CINNAMON
- almond milk – I like to use part milk because I want the creamy texture.
- water – Most recipes call for all water, but see above
- steel cut oats – once cooked, the texture is slightly chewy compared to regular or quick oats. They take a bit longer to cook but they’re so worth it!
- apples – adds a natural sweetness and texture to the oatmeal.
- cinnamon – SO GOOD FOR YOU plus why do oats apples without it.
- maple syrup or raw honey – a touch of sweetness but feel free to add if needed once cooked.
- vanilla – a little hint of vanilla goes a long way here.
- salt – a flavor enhancer.
- lemon juice – helps break down enzymes
Don’t forget to grease your slow cooker! Otherwise the ingredients may stick to the base and no one wants to wake up to burnt oatmeal! Otherwise the recipe is simple. Add all ingredients, stir well to combine and then set-it and forget it! This slow cooker recipe is a fool-proof recipe for everyone.
SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEEL CUT OATS AND ROLLED OATS?
The main differences are:
- Steel cut oats are oats that have been cut using a steel blade, hence the name “steel cut oats“. Also referred to as “Irish Oats.”
- Regular oats (rolled oats) are oats that have been steamed and pressed.
- And then quick oats are made from rolled oats, often called “old fashioned oat”
I can’t do oatmeal without adding a nut butter (cashew butter pictured) and throwing on some additional seeds or even granola for more toppings. I often add a scoop of Life Shake or a dollop of yogurt for some more protein too! Sprinkle with more cinnamon if desired.
SLOW COOKER APPLE CINNAMON STEEL CUT OATS
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 to 2 medium apples, chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey) – note: I don’t like my oats super sweet so feel free to add more for added sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- splash of lemon juice
DIRECTIONS:
- Grease your slow cooker with coconut oil
- Add all ingredients to your instant pot or slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- When finished cooking give it a good stir to ensure liquid is well mixed.
- Top with your favorite toppings. I like nut butter, cinnamon, and crunchy apples and or banana.
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 1 week. To reheat add a splash of almond milk and heat up in microwave or on stove-top.
optional toppings
- your favorite nut butter, raw granola, crispy nuts or seeds, or more sweetener if desired. Stir in your favorite flavor of Protein or greek yogurt to boost up the protein.
What is your favorite nut-butter?
Do you prefer Irish Oats or Old Fashioned?
Have you packed recently for an International Trip…tips are much appreciated!
Have you run an International Race?
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