Overnight Slow Cooker, Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Keith and I love oatmeal so I have been looking for a crockpot oatmeal recipe for quite awhile. I'm not sure if this is the best I'll find but it is pretty good and it's easy!

What you need:

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped) (We thought the apple pieces were to big so on the second attempt I pureed).
• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, additional milk or butter

What you do:
Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours. Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.

To reheat single servings: Put 1-cup cooked oatmeal in microwave proof bowl. Add 1/3 cup fat-free milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking for another minute, or until hot.