pumpkin steel cut oatmeal {recipe}

Like every other pumpkin loving fiend out there I have found myself trying to incorporate the beta-carotene packed purée into just about anything. I would love to indulge into a silky slice of custardy pumpkin pie everyday, however, my waistline would not thank me. I began The Dailey Method Fall 30-Day challenge this past Sunday and with that came a plant-based whole/clean eating meal plan. So far on day three I am enjoying the change. My biggest problem no matter what day it is or what kind of meal plan I am following, breakfast is always the hardest meal for me. I love cheerios with sliced banana and maple oatmeal. Since I am following the diet 99% of the time I mixed my Fall favorite with a breakfast item I know I will eat. I introduce to you, an overnight slow-cooker version of pumpkin steel cut oats.

Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal
inspiration from the yummy life

ingredients:

1-3/4 cups plant based milk such as unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked Bob’s Red Mill steel cut oats
1/4 cup Wholesome Sweetners maple flavored agave (Sprouts)
1 can organic pumpkin purée (trader joe’s)
1 tsp vanilla
2 TB pumpkin pie spice
1 TB chia seeds (I used whole chia seeds not ground)
toppings: chopped toasted pecans and walnuts, agave, fresh fruit, toasted pumpkin seeds, organic frozen blueberries.

directions:

If your slow-cooker will fit a medium sized heat safe mixing bowl go this route, if not spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients and mix until combined. Place the bowl into the slow cooker and fill water into the slow cooker around the bowl, about half way. Set your slow-cooker onto low and cook for 7 hours. I turned mine on at 11:30 PM and it was all ready to go for the hubby before he left for work at 6:30 AM.

The oatmeal is really thick, you can add in additional almond milk if you wish. I added in a swirl of maple agave and nuts. It was perfect and really filling.

*I prepped the mixture earlier in the evening so all I had to do was place the bowl into the slow cooker late at night. I will be doing this a lot more, it was nice having breakfast ready for all us before we even woke-up. Great for busy mornings!