Have you ever noticed how jam-packed most traditional breakfast foods are with grains, and how lacking they are in the vegetable department? I've been looking, for a while now, for ideas to incorporate more vegetables into my diet, as well as my children, who aren't big fans of egg dishes. 

Knowing that my whole family loves oatmeal (which is an excellent power food), but knowing there are no vegetables that would sound even remotely appetizing served up in it, I found a recipe for an oatmeal-like dish that has no oats, but instead is made with butternut squash and nuts as its base. The fact that it's a slow cooker meal is icing on the cake, as I know my hands on time is limited. Just turn it on before you go to bed, and in the morning, wake to the smells of a ready-to-eat, home cooked breakfast. And by the taste, nobody will ever guess that your n'oats are actually vegetables.

Ingredients

Medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

2 apples, peeled and diced

1 c. your choice nuts (some combination of almonds, walnuts, and/or pecans is good)

1 c. milk or dairy free milk
2 Tbsp. maple syrup or raw honey

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Optional Toppings

Coconut

Milk

Chopped nuts

Fresh or dried fruit
Extra maple syrup or honey

Directions

Pulse the nuts in a food processor until they have a fine consistency.

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Stir, top with your choice of toppings and serve.

Seriously, that's it. Enjoy!