Recipe Notes

You may use any dairy alternative you wish, but do not use any real dairy, even if your body has no issues with it. The long cooking time would curdle the dairy and ruin this dish. You may also use plain water, if you wish. The dish will be less creamy, but will still be tasty.
When this recipe is done, any dried fruit will have rehydrated and may surprise you with how tender it has become. You may wish to add some traditional spices, such as cinnamon with apples. I would suggest no more than a 1/4 TSP of cinnamon, and only a pinch of stronger spices such as nutmeg or allspice. Remember that the flavors will be cooking a long time and have plenty of time to intensify.
Sweeteners, such as brown sugar or maple syrup should be added to the bowl, if desired. Terradon likes to add a drop of ginger extract for some zip!
This recipe does not call for salt. This is not an error, but a deliberate omission. Salt can interfere with the absorption of water into the oat, and so, if you want salt, please add it to your bowl when you are ready to eat.
This recipe makes about 4 cups, prepared. You can double it in a larger crock pot or cut it in half in a smaller one just fine. It is very customizable.
Suggestions for dried fruit include blueberries, apples, apricots, mangos, craisons, raisons, or any other dried fruit you like. I have never found one that didn't do well!
I like to add almonds or pecans to my oatmeal, but any nut you like will add crunch and protein to your breakfast bowl. I toast my nuts first, but raw is just fine.

Adapted from Alton Brown, Good Eats