Apple Cinnamon Oats

Kids will love this slow-cooked hot cereal for breakfast because it's flavoured with cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup and apples. It makes a filling and nutritious start to the day that will keep hunger at bay until lunchtime.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Yields: 8 cups

Ingredients

• 3  cups apples, peeled, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 cups steel cut oats
• 1  vanilla beans, split down the center or 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2  cinnamon sticks, broken or 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6  cups water
•  maple syrup
•  french vanilla yogurt (optional)

Directions

1. In a slow-cooker, combine apples, oats, vanilla, cinnamon, and water; cover and cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low, stirring occasionally.
2. To serve, drizzle with about 1 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste.
3. Top with yogurt, if desired.
4. To decorate, stick three thin apple slices and a cinnamon in the top of the oats and serve.
5. TIP: If too thin, remove lid for 30 minutes to let liquid evaporate. Transfer leftovers to storage container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave.