Carrot Cake Oatmeal

8 dates, chopped
1 cup steel cut oats
1 1/2 cups milk of your choice
1 1/2 cups water (use water from dates and add additional to make 1 1/2 cups)
4 carrots, grated
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

In a small saucepan, cover dates with water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and allow them to soak 1 hour.

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with oil thoroughly. This step is very important!

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker – oats, milk, water, carrots, raisins, dates, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, and sea salt Stir to combine well.

Cook on low for 5-7 hours depending on your cooker. Some take longer and some are faster. I recommend trying a test run during the day to see how long your slow cooker takes before trying overnight.

Before serving, stir to combine and top with toasted nuts or seeds if desired.