2cupsrolled oats, or steel cut oats if you want a heartier whole grain
2cupswhole milk
2eggs, optional
1 ½cupswater
Instructions
Grease the slow cooker insert. Generously grease the bowl of a slow cooker (a deep 3-quart one works well, but any 3-quart size or larger is fine).
Mix the apples and dry ingredients. Toss the apples, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large bowl, then add the oats and stir again. Pour into the greased slow cooker insert.
Add the wet ingredients. Either in the same bowl or a new one, whisk the eggs into the milk until the mixture is very smooth. Add the water and whisk again. Pour over the apple-oat mixture.
Cook the oatmeal. Cook on low for 6-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Cook time will vary considerably according to brand and size of slow cooker, so if you don't like crispy edges on your oatmeal, make this recipe for the first time during the day when you can gauge the progress of the oatmeal.
Notes
To caramelize the apples more, skip the tossing step at the beginning and instead, layer the apples, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and oats in the greased insert (in that order) and do not stir.
Whisk the milk, eggs, and water as described and pour over the layered apples and cook as directed.