Easiest Breakfast Ever: Slowcooker oatmeal

Mornings for us can be pretty chaotic!  Especially Mondays!

Here is an easy and delicious slow cooker oatmeal that you can make the night before, yum!

2 cup of oats
2 apples peeled and diced
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 cups of water
2 cups of milk
dash or more of cinnamon

you can add other fruit like raisins, dried cranberries, figs, apricots or nuts like walnut or pecans,whatever you like



It should go on before you go to bed and it will be ready in the morning, make sure it is set on LOW.

I know it sounds like a lot of liquid but this helps keep it moist overnight. (6-8 hours, not more)  every slow cooker is different, so it may require a bit of trial and error.  Mine was perfect after 7.5 hours

It is a great healthy breakfast and a total no-brainer in the morning.  Some people pre-make theirs for the week and say that it tastes great - I have not tried it!  I feel it is simple enough for me to do the night before a few times a week. But this is a great option if you know the following day is going to be a busy one !

Nut -free zone!

School is just around the corner...wow, the summer went by quickly!

My little guy is about to start kindergarten in the fall and I am getting a head start on the preparations.  I know it is going to be a big change for everyone, not just him!

I've ordered my labels, so I can label everything before school starts.

Next on my list is his indoor shoes.

But if you are anything like me, I hate making lunches! It's stressful and although snacks are a bit easier, many schools are putting limits on those, too!  I needed some great ideas that my son would love and eat and they have to be peanut-free! 

I'm thinking so basic sandwiches like a grilled cheese (made in the morning) with some ham or maybe apple slices on the inside will likely be a staple but how about some other ideas

1 - Bagel with cream cheese and jam (a great substitute for PB and J, also look for mini bagels, kids always like them)

2 - Veggie pizza (a great leftover from the night before, get the kids involved in making them too, it makes it more fun for everyone)



3 - Meat and Veggie 'platter'.  So simple and my kids love it!  Just a variety of veggies (peppers, carrots, cucumber and grape tomatoes and some turkey, served with hummus - healthy and fun, my kids love to dip!)

4 - Tacos!  Soft tortillas and a combo of cheese, veggies, salsa and any meat or beans.  Tacos don't have to be served hot to be delicious!

5 - Hot soup, pasta with sauce, stews or chili in a thermos.  Perfect for cooler days and again, last night's leftovers make great and easy lunches!  Serve with some crackers or bread on the side!



6 - Pita wraps or pita pockets.  Stuff whole wheat pitas with just about anything (no PB and J) but sliced meat, cheese, tuna and load with the veggies for lots of crunch

7 - Homemade muffins.  I have a great basic recipe (400degree pre heat oven.  Mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/3 cup of veggie oil, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp of salt and 2 tsp of baking powder and add 1 cup of berries, apples, peaches - what ever fruit you like add a crumble topping too for crunch and sweet - make 1 doz approx bake for 25 mins)

8 - Grapes and cheese

9- Apples, bananas or whatever is in season

10 - Yogurt

11- Nut free trail mix.  Raisins, pretzels, fish crackers, Cheerios and dried cranberries - super easy and you can make it for the week or two, in advance.



12- Crackers and cheese.  A classic - my kids love it and so do I.

13 - Homemade cookies like oatmeal or oatmeal raisin

14 - Apple sauce.  Home made is so easy and healthy, but probably best for older children who can open Tupperware on their own. 

15 - Rice cakes with cream cheese and berries on top!

When it comes to drinks - maybe your school has a milk program (aim for white milk, the 'other' milks are loaded with sugar), real juices but try watering them down (50/50) and water is a great way to keep them hydrated
Sometimes with kids it is really about presentation, so think about cool ways to 'present' your food.  Use a cookie cutter to make sandwiches special, put chopped veggies in a cup or have a small bowl for each child.  Sometimes just having a cool bowl or place mat with their favourite show or character will get them to eat!