Crock Pot Oatmeal with Dried Cranberries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups steel-cut oats
• 6 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup Splenda brown sugar blend for baking or 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup brown sugar, optional
• 1 cup coarsely chopped dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or light cream
• Cinnamon sugar and dried cranberries for garnish, optional
• Milk for serving

Preparation:

Spray the inside of the slow cooker crockery insert with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the oats, water, applesauce, brown sugar (if using), and cranberries. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 9 hours. Stir in the half-and-half or cream and cook for 10 minutes longer.

Garnish with cinnamon sugar and dried cranberries, as desired, and serve with milk.
Makes about 12 servings (2/3 to 3/4 cups to each serving)