Overnight Autumn Oatmeal is Served in the Morning

The truth is: I need a servant who will make my coffee in the morning and feed my family so I can have my devotional time. After all, people in the Bible often had servants to do such things—I’m thinkin’ Abraham, David, and definitely Esther.Of course my husband just laughed at my request. Then the Spirit reminded me of my handy little crockpot. I own two—a big one and a small one.So I hauled out the small one and took ten minutes before heading to bed to put the ingredients in for this Overnight Autumn Oatmeal.It was so awesome. I’ve been making it at least once a week ever since. (The coffee is still made by you-know-who at the crack of dawn.)Mornings can be hectic getting the family off to a good start and fortified for a busy day.This oatmeal sticks to their bones and tastes like autumn. I use a 3½ quart crock-pot, but a 1½ to 3 quart one would work great. (My big one is 7 quarts.)

Overnight Autumn Oatmeal

Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 8 hours on LOWServes 4 easily¾ cup steel-cut oats (Irish Oats in the can at Trader Joes)¼ cup chopped dried apricots¼ cup chopped dried pears¼ cup chopped dried apples1 TBS cinnamon2¾ cups water½ cup half-and-half, almond milk, rice milk, or creamy soymilkSlivered almonds or chopped pecans (optional)Brown sugar or sweetener (optional)

  1. Combine all the ingredients except the nuts and brown sugar in the crock-pot. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, until thick and creamy.
  2. Get some sleep!
  3. Stir well. Serve hot; pour on more milk and sprinkle nuts on the top. Add brown sugar or sweetener if desired.

This is thick oatmeal, because I like to feel warm and cozy on a crisp autumn morning. If you like your oatmeal a little more runny, add ¼ cup more water.I keep the dried fruit and nuts in the freezer so they are handy to grab whenever I want to make this meal.

What does an oatmeal breakfast have to do with finding the Holy in the daily?

In a very practical way, it sets the tone for the rest of the day by bringing the family together, setting an atmosphere where the Spirit feels welcome, and getting the body and brain energized for a busy day.Of course we still need time with Jesus before beginning the day, but why not invite him to breakfast? He loves a good sit down meal and community.What’s your favorite hot breakfast served by a “servant?”

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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