Ok, before you get the wrong idea there is no tequila in this oatmeal. Even on my worst days I would not bring in alcoholic oatmeal to work. But it is Monday and the first work day after daylight savings time is always a little tough for me. So I thought I’d start my day with a ‘special drink’ oatmeal

In the evening when I get home I must have a ‘special drink’. I define a special drink as one I haven’t been drinking all day. (Who says I’m not a simple gal?) It doesn’t need to be alcoholic and even an orange sparkling water in a wine glass will do. I love margaritas of all kinds but a mango margarita is one of my favorites. So, this was a prefect choice for a day that I really wanted to stay at home. It is Spring after all!

This oatmeal gets its Triple Sec taste from orange extract, the bite of lime from the lime zest, and the mango came from the freezer section at Trader Joe’s in a packet as purée. If you don’t have orange extract you could substitute the nondairy milk with 1 cup water and 1 cup orange juice. Do not use OJ with the milk or it will be curdled and very unpleasant to wake up to.

I use organic extracts that usually don’t have alcohol, make sure you’re at least using natural extracts or you won’t be happy with the tastes.

Slow Cooker Slow Cooker Mango Margarita Oatmeal

2 to 3 servings

**This recipe uses a smaller slow cooker that’s 1 1/2 to 2 quarts

• 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
• 2 cups Unsweetened  So Delicious Coconut Milk
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 1/2 cup mango purée (1 small packet of Trader Joe’s frozen contained this amount)
• 1 – 2 tablespoons sweetener
  (I used agave)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon lime zest (to taste)

The night before: Spray your crock with some oil to help with clean up later. Add everything except for the agave and lime zest. Cook on low over night (7 to 9 hours).

In the morning: Stir your oatmeal well. It may seem watery at the top but if stirred it should become a more uniform consistency.  Stir in sweetener and lime zest.

**(See Page Link on Menu Bar to get to Slow Cooker Oatmeal FAQS)