Ingredients

• 2  cups steel-cut Irish oats
• 5  cups water
• 1  cup apple juice
• 1/4  cup dried cranberries
• 1/4  cup golden raisins
• 1/4  cup snipped dried apricots
• 1/4  cup maple syrup
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
•   Brown sugar or maple syrup
•   Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
•   Milk

Directions

1. In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine oats, water, apple juice, cranberries, raisins, apricots, the 1/4 cup maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 7 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

3. Serve oatmeal with brown sugar or additional maple syrup, chopped nuts, and milk. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Test Kitchen Tip: To reheat, place a single serving of oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, covered, on 100-percent power (high) for 1 minute; stir. Cook, covered, for 15 to 30 seconds more or until heated through.