Better, faster stuffed peppers

I absolutely LOVE the idea of stuffed peppers... but most stuffed pepper recipes pose several problems:

1. They take forever to bake.
2. They have a weird ketchupy paste on the top (yep - ketchupy).
3. They are stuffed with rice. And I don't like rice (my hubby either!)

I wanted a healthier, faster, better recipe that fit our tastes. So, I ended up with this version. I love this recipe. It is a hodge-podge of many recipes. I tweaked it and perfected it until it was just right for me.

Better even -- it's more of a method than a true recipe. You can substitute as much as you want -- just use the method. Use a different grain, add different vegetables or seasonings. 

Stop reading -- and go buy some peppers (Trader Joe's has the best!). You won't regret it! This dinner is always a pleaser! Keep reading below for the recipe...

Crock Pot Apple Oatmeal

This recipe is kindergarten-approved! Every year, we do a unit on apples. Each student brings in an apple and we sort and graph them. Sometime during our unit, we make Crock Pot Apple Oatmeal.

It's adorable. We read the recipe together, measure, count, mix, discuss, etc. It's a great natural lesson. We let it cook all day -- and at the end of the day, we eat it! 

This year, every single one of my students asked for seconds. They couldn't get enough! It's a healthy, delicious, and in the crock pot. Could you ask for anything more???



I always send home the recipe with parents -- and I thought I'd share it here, too! 
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Apple Oatmeal
2 cups oats (use the old-fashioned rolled oats)
4 cups milk
4 packed TB brown sugar
2 TB vanilla
2-4 apples - skin on, rough chop
  
- Mix and cook 1-2 hours on high or 2-3 hours on low.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top (my kinders love this part!)
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I usually double this recipe for my class, but this recipe with be plenty for a family. Enjoy!