There are many things that bring me joy in life and walking into a delicious-smelling house after a long day’s work to a meal that is ready to eat is near the top of the list. This morning, I can proudly add “waking up after a (not quite long enough) sleep to a delicious-smelling house” on that list too.

I don’t know if you get the warm and fuzzy, superhero feelings that I do by using my slow cooker, but when I do, I am on top of the world. I feel like for that tiny moment of time, that I actually have my life in balance and I am a great mom, wife and employee. After all, how many workers out there can cook their own supper while rocking their jobs? It is multi-tasking at its finest. Plus, I think on some subconscious level, it is like being nurtured by a mother. Someone prepares my meal without me really having to do anything. It is wonderful.

Now, don’t get me wrong, my husband does a great job of helping in the kitchen, but typically we are working together to take care of the kids and get a meal on the table. The slow cooker just works her little heart out for me all day long! Because of this, I have named my slow-cooker “Kate”. I felt as though she deserved a name. Something beyond “The Crockpot”. Afterall, she works so hard making amazing food for my family, the least I can do is address her properly.

This morning I tried a recipe that has been on my radar for a couple years now and boy was it worth it. I made slow cooker oats. And not just any oats, but Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oats. Heavenly!

The recipe is really simple and can be modified according to your taste preference. I don’t like a lot of sweet in my oatmeal, so I didn’t include much. You can always top it with a little brown sugar or honey before serving.

First, I want to warn you to SPRAY YOUR SLOW COOKER! I didn’t do this and the pot is still soaking in my sink. It looks like “Kate” will get her hot-tub spa treatment afterall!

Add the steel-cut oats to the crock. I used Bob’s Red Mill steel-cut oats (any steel-cut oat will work) because I love all his products. I say it like I know the man. Which by-the-way is a dream of mine, so if you know Bob from the Red Mill, have him call me! But do make sure that they are NOT the quick-cooking type and only use steel-cut. Old fashioned, quick or instant oats would just turn into mush.

Then add the coconut milk, skim milk, water, pumpkin, vanilla, honey and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until combined. Don’t worry, it doesn’t look the best, but the taste will be amazing!

Turn your slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours. When you wake up, your house will smell as though someone was slaving away all night long (Kate has!).

Again, don’t worry that it looks like a hot mess, just stir up your oatmeal and dish it into a bowl. -Note the scorched edges, this is why you want to spray the pot.

Top with cinnamon, walnuts and additional sugar or honey if desired. What a great, hearty way to start your day!

*After sampling the oatmeal, I thought it could use a little extra sweetness, so I threw in a few slices of mashed banana (1 whole banana to the pot) and the taste was divine!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oats

Serves 12 hearty bowls
All you need:
2 cups steel-cut oats
1 can (14 oz) lite coconut milk
2 cups skim milk
2 cups water
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 T vanilla
1/4 cup honey
1 T pumpkin pie spice
Optional toppings: walnuts, cinnamon, brown sugar and honey

All you do:
1. Spray the inside of the crock.
2. Combine all ingredients and stir.
3. Cover and set to LOW for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve with walnuts, cinnamon, brown sugar or honey