Fruited Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker and Orange Julius

I remember walking through London Mall as a child and begging my mom for an Orange Julius.  Being able to order an orange blended drink from the mall was a rare occasion and thus a real treat.  Now you can make them yourself and savor the sweet citrus beverage at home. 

Nothing says autumn more than hot steel cut oatmeal with dried fruit and cinnamon.  Topped with yogurt & granola or milk, this breakfast (or dinner) will warm you right up as the days start to cool down.

Fruited Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker
Serves 10

3 cups water
1 3/4 cups apple juice
1 1/2 cups stee-cut oats
1 medium pear, peeled and chopped
1 (7 ounce) bag dried fruit (I used a combination of dried cherries and cranberries)
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For serving: yogurt & granola or milk

In a 4-quart slow cooker or larger, combine all the ingredients.  Cover and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours.  To serve, top with yogurt and granola or milk. 

Orange Julius
Serves 6


12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
2 cups milk
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup powedered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
15 ice cubes


In a blender, pour in all the ingredients except ice cubes.  Pulse to blend.  Add ice cubes and pulse 4-5 times until the ice cubes are crushed.