Slow Cooker: Mid-Winter Spiced Porridge for a Crowd

From The Kitchn.

Makes about eight 1-cup servings; recipe can be doubled

2 cups steel-cut oats
8 cups water
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped apricots
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped figs or raisins
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
zest of 1 orange

Toppings: chopped roasted nuts, jam, fresh fruit, more dried fruit, milk, yogurt, leftover eggnog

Combine everything except the orange zest and toppings in the bowl of a 3-quart or larger slow-cooker. Set the cooker on its lowest cook setting ("LOW" or 8-10 hours), and leave overnight.

If you happen to get up in the night, give the porridge a stir as you pass by. If not, no worries.

In the morning, break up the thin film that forms over the top of the porridge and stir it in. Scrape the sides and bottom. Stir in the orange zest.

Serve with toppings. Leftover porridge will keep refrigerated for at least a week. Reheat with a little milk or water to make creamy again.