Set 4 cups of water to boil in a large pot. Once boiling, turn the heat down and add 2 cups of milk; stir. Add in 4 1/2 cups steel cut oats, 2 cups peeled and chopped apples, 1/2 cup ground flax seed. Cook about 4 minutes just barely under simmer. Add in 3/4 cup coconut, 1 cup chopped nuts {almonds, pecans, etc.}, 3/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup brown sugar and 2 Tbsp. apple pie spice. Cook a few minutes longer over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more milk as you see fit. When the oats are cooked, scoop into serving bowls, cover with a slosh of heavy cream and a touch of maple syrup.
