Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Porridge Food

AUTUMN POWER PORRIDGE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the water, oats, quinoa and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes., Stir in the pumpkin, pie spice and agave nectar. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed and grains are tender. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Serve with milk if desired.

SLOW-COOKER PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH GINGERSNAP CRUST

Steps:

• Loosely roll a large piece of foil (about 20 inches long) into a 1-inch cylinder. Form a ring with the foil measuring about 7 inches in diameter. Fill a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker with 1/2 inch of water and place the foil ring in the bottom.
• For the crust:
• Add the gingersnaps to a food processor and process until crumbs form. Add 1/4 cup of the melted butter and a pinch of salt and pulse to combine. You want the mixture to look like wet sand. Brush an 8-inch springform pan with the remaining melted butter. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan.
• For the filling:
• Wipe out the food processor, add the cream cheese and brown sugar and pulse until smooth. Scrape down the sides, add the pumpkin puree, sour cream, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice and pulse until thoroughly combined. Add the eggs, pulsing until smooth and uniform. Pour into the crust.
• Gently place the cheesecake on the foil ring in the slow cooker. Place a few layers of paper towels under the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours. Allow the cake to cool in the slow cooker, about 2 hours.
• Remove the cheesecake, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Before serving, run a small knife around the edge of the cheesecake and remove the outer ring.

SLOW-COOKED PORRIDGE

Steps:

• Heat the slow cooker if necessary. Find a sturdy ceramic bowl that will fit in the cooker. Put the oats in the bowl along with a pinch of salt, then pour over the milk, or a mixture of milk and water. Add the dried fruit, if using. Place the bowl in the slow cooker and put on its lowest setting and cook overnight for 7-8 hours. If anyone's up in the night, give the porridge a quick stir to scrape up the crustier bits from around the edges and bottom, but don't worry if not.
• In the morning, give the porridge a really good stir - it may have developed a crust on top, but just stir this in to break it up. Add a drop more milk to loosen if necessary, then ladle into bowls and add your favourite toppings.