Two updates: First, it snowed. Second, I made this oatmeal.
Winter weather started in St. Louis this weekend. Friday morning, ice started pelting down. By Saturday, people were slipping and sliding down the road.

I avoided the worst of it by standing inside. To reward myself for my patience, and to celebrate the first snow of the season, I decided to make this slow cooker maple brown sugar oatmeal.

Pears aren’t my favorite fruit but they’re a staple during the winter. D’Anjou pears are reliably good. Plus, there’s something comforting about a pear/cinnamon/brown sugar/maple syrup combination. It makes hibernating more bearable for people like me, who love being outside. It also smells good and tastes delicious.

Add some chia seeds and chopped walnuts on top and you’ll have the perfect breakfast for the first snow. Or, you know, whenever you need it.

Here’s a song to play while you hibernate and make this oatmeal.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal with Pear (from me, to you)

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups water
2 cups almond milk
1 cup steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
chia seeds, pear and chopped walnuts for topping

Directions

Stir water, almond milk, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together in a slow cooker.

Cook on low for 8 hours/overnight. Enjoy!