Total time: 8 hr 10 min • Prep: 10 min • Cook: 7 hr • Serves: 6 • Difficulty: Easy

Mixing grains, like we do here with steel-cut oats and uncooked farro, in the slow cooker adds more texture and flavor to a comforting, warm, morning porridge. The dried dates and brown sugar provide just the right amount of sweetness. Assemble it the night before so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast the next morning. The porridge stays moist throughout the long cook time due to the skim milk and hot water, but if you intend to sleep a little later—or if you’re making this for a weekend morning—add up to 1/4 cup additional water with the other ingredients.