One of my very favorite indulgences is a cozy hotel breakfast delivered straight to the room. There’s just something magical about waking up and starting your day with a warm, delicious spread of food brought to your door. No work, no dishes, no hassle. There are few better ways to start your day other than sipping hot coffee and cream [which is always in the cutest little container], taking your time to eat and enjoying a relaxing conversation. Wouldn’t it be nice to start every day that way? Pictured here is one husband and I had earlier this year. For me, that little rosebud made the table.
I’m obsessed with hotel oatmeal. I’ve always wondered, “how do they make it so creamy and smooth???” Of course a trained chef or someone more seasoned in the kitchen would know, but alas I do not.
Mmmmm, nothing better on a chilly morning.
No matter how hard I try, I’ve never been able to duplicate the texture or taste of that comforting warm pourage in my own kitchen. It usually results in a dry or sticky pot of gooey bleh. Or a big, overcooked mess that spills over the pot and onto the cooktop. Horrible to clean up. Which puts me in a seriously grumpy mood.
But I’ve finally cracked the code. Well, my version, at least. And I want to share it with you.
You won’t believe how easy it is.
All you need is…
This
[it's an adorable little 2 qt crock pot which is currently at wal-mart for $9. The model number is SCR200-W]
And this.
The beautiful part is you make this right before you go to bed. So when you wake up in the morning, a warm breakfast awaits you. Almost as good as room service! Certainly less expensive. It’s an extra yummy treat on cold school mornings with hungry kids. Or for a busy professional who’s flying out the door before rush hour. Who really wants to cook then? I sure don’t.
Important: make this no earlier than 10pm the night before [I usually do it at 11pm before crawling into bed]. Cut off the crock pot the next morning no later than 7am.
How to make it:
Pour 4 cups of filtered water into your crockpot
Pour 2/3 cup McCann’s steel cut oatmeal into crock pot
Close the lid and switch the knob to “low”
Wake up in the morning, turn to “off” and stir the oatmeal.
…………………………………….
That’s it. Could it be any easier?
In the cold months, we like to top ours with sliced bananas, a little brown sugar or honey, chopped walnuts, coconut shavings and a splash of cream. In the summer months, it’s seasonal berries topped with cream.
Hope you like this as much as we do. If your kids give you any trouble trying it, try reading the story “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” the night before. I promise you’ll peek an interest.
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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yummmmmmmm…….
I love steel cut oats and make them often…I like your way, may need to invest in the little cooker! I like to add chopped apple, or dried fruit while it is cooking…adds a natural sweetness then I don’t need to add any sugar. I also like to mix it in Greek yogurt!
Bon Apetite!
xx
There was a recipe for an oatmeal-like concoction in a slow cooker in Food Network magazine last month, but it was way more complicated. This looks delicious! How awesome would it be to wake up to that and some nice hot coffee?
I LOVE YOU. Seriously, this is perfect!
The other secret to great oatmeal is the frozen one from Trader Joe’s. They make the same Steelcut Oatmeal. All you have to do is put it in the microwave straight from the freezer for three minutes and it’s perfect every time.
The only oatmeal I will eat is McCann’s and they used to have it in instant packets but I have not seen them for a long time.
Winter Oatmeal, perfect with all of the accompaniments…fruit honey, a little, syrup and my favorite vanilla soy milk.
Thank you Seleta, I remember seeing on Oprah that a viewer used her crockpot and used apple juice for the liquid , I was wondering how she did it and now I know, I think I will try this, I eat oatmeal everyday with cinnamon,cranberries and walnuts. it is addictive, obviously if I eat it every day,hehe,Glad you are feeling better, take care. Kathysue
PS Oh I almost forgot Joni at Cote de Texas posted my kitchen and master, I was soooooo excited that she thought it was post worthy. Just had to share, Hugs KS
We use this same steel cut- but that crockpot idea… genius! I’m going to try it tonight! THANK~YOU!
Great idea. I love oatmeal; I have found it to be a comfort food.
Seleta, Do you cook it on the low or high setting?
Seleta,
Thanks so much, the kids will be thrilled. I know what’s for breakfast Monday morning!
~Angela
Thanks for the tip. Now the challenge is getting my family to eat something besides Lucky Charms for breakfast.
The only oatmeal we use, but hate that it isn’t “instant” on those hurried mornings before school. Thank you so much for this. Every little bit helps in saving time. P.S. You HAVE to do more posts on your wardrobe picks. You inspired me to pick up a few of the goodies you shared. You have great taste, and have had me open my eyes to fashion. So please do share more! You are my new personal advisor for shopping…..and decorating! I would be amiss if I didn’t also mention your gift for reminding me of the simple pleasures in life, and taking more time to be reflective and thankful in one’s life.Thanks Seleta for all your hard work that you put into your posts, and for sharing you and your beautiful family with us. Hope you are feeling better!
J~
Arrrgh! I just bought a can of those oats – could you tell me how to get the darned thing open? It has a weird top. Your post is lovely. I love the idea of multi-tasking, making oatmeal and sleeping!
Glad to see that you are feeling better Seleta and can enjoy good food and your family. I love oatmeal and just buy the regular long cooking kind…haven’t tried these “steel cut” oats as yet so maybe that’s why I haven’t had any trouble with cooking them on the stove top. I love to eat them on cold nights for dinner with brown sugar and cinnamon and warm milk…very comforting.
Nevermind, I feel silly. It is like a paint can. The can I bought was sealed really tight. Once you get it open, it is quite easy. Silly me!
I am addicted to Irish Oatmeal, never cooked it in a crock-pot. Fabulous, saves on time. It is just like room service.
I love oats and Trader Joe’s makes a wonderful oatmeal.
It is in the freezer section – and it has steel cut oats. On a cold morning there is nothing better.
pve
I love oatmeal too and it’s good for you. The slow cooker method seems so easy. What a great idea. Most mornings it’s all I can do to stumble to the coffee maker to get it going.
Seleta. I live here in Southern California and I cannot find this brand of oatmeal. Do you or anyone else have any idea where I might find it??? this sounds so wonderful and soo easy. Thanks,
Yum!! I love oatmeal. My mom always says it “Sticks to your ribs!”…(whatever that means) I guess I like food that sticks to my ribs. Grits goes in this category as well. Thanks for the oatmeal tips!
Could I use regular Quaker Oats? Or where would I find these oats you are using? Also, I agree with the above poster about your outfit posting! Please post more!!
Ginny,
Ive only tried this with steel cut oatmeal. In fact, my recipe calls for slightly more water than the recipe on the can. Steel cut oats are much thicker than regular slow cooked, so I do believe they withstand the long hours in the crockpot. But who knows, maybe you can try another slow cooked oatmeal version?
Seleta
What a WONDERFUL idea!!! I’m headed to Wal mart and the health food store tomorrow! This is brilliant! Thank you Seleta! I just might have to read Goldilocks to make it all come together. My children love oatmeal but the story will be a great touch to a new tradition in our home! Happy day!
Yumm-o! And that crock pot is just the perfect size. Thanks for sharing!
Seleta,
As always, I love your posts because you enjoy so many of the same things I do.
This one particularly resonates. As my husband knows, I frequently complain that I can’t get oatmeal at home to taste even remotely like the oatmeal you get at a hotel, or even at my local deli in the morning. My husband always says it’s because they cook it for a long time…and you’ve proven him right!
I think you may have sold a few crockpots today, Seleta!
Thanks as always, and hope you’re feeling better.
Kris Connell
http://www.myfabulous40thbirthday.blogspot.com
Best hotel oatmeal I’ve ever had: oatmeal, with caramelized bananas on top. AMAZING!
My friend, Tara, told me about your blog. We both live in Missouri. It’s delightful! I tried your delicious oatmeal this morning and loved it! So did my husband and he really has an aversion to eating anything healthful!! My 2-year old daughter wouldn’t touch it, but tonight we’re gonna read about Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Maybe that will induce her! Thanks
I dusted off my white crockpot earlier today…but for dinner, not brekkie. And it confirmed one thing: my love affair with it continues.
Hi all. McCann’s is a client and I am thrilled to see so many fans.
For all those looking for where to buy, check out their website. http://www.mccanns.ie
Cricket and J, McCann’s has instants as well.
While your there check out the collector’s mugs and cookie jars and don’t forget to enter their sweepstakes. Spa and golf trip to Ireland!
i just said this morning…i would love to get teh kids eating oatmeal in the mornings but i am so tired.” crazy. you may have solved my problem! thank you!!!!
it’s so pretty here at your site. i finally just bookmarked you because i kept losing you…no more…we are linked forever. :)
Sounds so good! Is this enough for 1 person or more?
You can find the McCann brand at Cost Plus World Market if you can’t find it in your regular grocery store. I make the recipe all the time in the winter. I also add one cut up Granny Smith Apple, and stir in the morning1 Yummmm!
Hi Seleta, I tried the recipe that you put down. The steel cut oatmeal turned out great in my small crock pot. I’m in Canada so I can’t get the McCanns brand, but we do have a great Health food store that carries steel cut oatmeal. Thanks again.
My husband and I are the only oatmeal eaters in the house which is a huge bummer. But this one is definitely worth getting the slow cooker out for!
Hot breakfasts are a great way to start the day though. So until I can get the critters to eat oatmeal it’s usually pancakes. And when we’re in a rush it’s batter blaster, organic from a can (not as good as scratch but much better than frozen or cold cereal and no cleanup!).
Thanks again for posting and stay warm out there!