Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oats

My morning madness has been ratcheted up to epic levels now that the holiday are around the corner. In news that will be shocking to every parent alive, one recent morning, I forgot to make myself a coffee. In other words, that was how bad my morning was shaping up. However, it must have been the universes way of telling me something because, on my run to a local Starbucks for my morning medicine, I ran into a friend. As we chatted she told me she was on her way to visit her elderly mother who had suffered a stroke. Then she thanked me for doing SPC. “What do you mean?” I said. She explained, like herself, her mother is a foodie who loves cooking and recipes. “It is nice to find things to talk about with a parent during those endless hours in rehab. So an indirect thank you to Sweet Potato Chronicles for reminding us what really matters-family and good times around the family table,” she said. I didn’t know what to say. I think all that came out of my mouth was “thank you that is such an honour” but for the rest of the day her words stuck with me.

When Ceri and I create recipes they are to nourish and make life easier for our families. I don’t think we ever thought about our recipes helping a family in this way, ever. But this idea was a great gift to be given in the countdown before the holidays. It made me slow down and stop plowing through my days; ticking the boxes of traditions and chores. Instead I’m cutting the corners on my chores and relishing the time together with family and friends. After all, that’s what this holiday business is all about–family and friends. And, of course, the food.

Without much fan fare, here is our final recipe for 2016 before we head into a two week break. It smells like the holidays, reminds you of a cookie and makes itself in your slow cooker. It’s exactly the kind of thing your family will enjoy. Have a very happy holidays and New Year. We wish you and your family all the best in love, health and food.