Overnight Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

I have seen lots of posts on Pinterest for overnight, crock pot oatmeal dishes.  This was something I have never tried and was intrigued, but didn't feel up to finding the "perfect" recipe on Pinterest.  So I headed to my Facebook page and put out the ask for someone with a tried and true recipe. 

I received a few responses and tried the first recipe received from a good friend's mom this weekend.  Talk about easy AND delicious!  My boys eat instant oatmeal just about every day of the week, I am not a fan of instant oatmeal, but do enjoy "regular" oatmeal - but never take the time to make it!  This was perfect. 

Do you have a favorite overnight oatmeal you like to eat?  If so, I hope you'll share the recipe.  And thanks to "Nana Wood" for sharing this recipe....she's our boys' "local" grandma - they loved it!

Overnight Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Makes 4 big bowls

4 cups water
1 1/2 cups apple juice
1 cup steel-cut oats (not quick cooking)
1/2 cup regular barley (not quick cooking)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
2 medium apples, coarsely chopped
milk (optional)
honey (optional)

In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker, combine water, apple juice, oats, barley, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. 

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.  Before serving, stir in the brown sugar.  Top with pecans and apples.  Serve with honey and milk.  Recipe calls for milk and honey as optional - I would highly suggest adding them!