Recipes to keep you warm

Crockpot Apple Oatmeal

2 cups milk

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp. melted butter

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup regular oats (not quick cooking or instant)

1 cup peeled, chopped apple

1/2 cup chopped dates or raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Spray the inside of a 3-4 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients, and mix well. Cover and cook on low setting for 5-7 hours until oatmeal is soft. Stir before serving. Makes roughly eight servings.

Potato Soup

1 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. flour

1-1/2 cups milk

1 leftover baked potato, chopped into small pieces

salt to taste

pepper to taste

Make a roux with the butter and flour. Add in milk, potato pieces and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil on medium heat for a brief period and serve. Makes roughly two servings.

Optional: If you have cheddar cheese, grate some up and add it after you have removed the soup from the heat. You can also add in green onions, bacon bits or leftover carrots.

Mac and Cheese

5 cups cooked macaroni (8 ounces raw)

4 tsps. butter

4 tbsps. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 pepper, or to taste

2 cups milk

3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

paprika (optional)

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Stir in salt. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cheese and continue to cook and stir until melted. In an 8 by 10-inch baking dish, alternate layers of macaroni and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serves roughly 6.

Cappuccino

1 cup powdered instant nondairy creamer

1 cup chocolate-flavored drink mix

3/4 cup instant coffee (decaffeinated or regular)

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine creamer, chocolate drink mix, instant coffee, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Store in an airtight container. To use, combine two tablespoons of mix with six ounces boiling water. Garnish with whipped cream. For a kick, add one tablespoon of Frangelico. Makes roughly 3 1/2 cups

What are your favorite recipes to warm up with?