Baked Oatmeal

We have had a windy couple of days here in the Sacramento area. So beautiful to look at from the comfort of your own home with a bowl full of delicious baked oatmeal to keep you warm, but once you step outside you just want to try and cover up every inch of your body because it is SO cold.  

If you've never tried baked oatmeal, it's a must try. Now that's I've tried it, I can't imagine going back to limp, soggy, boring oatmeal  for breakfast. The texture difference is huge, and it's worth the extra time and prep to make it! So give it a go...you won't regret it!

**This recipe is adapted from Cooking Light. See the original recipe here.

 

Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Makes: 12 bars Prep: 10  minutes  Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes

 (Printable Recipe)

2 cups old fashioned oats

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup applesauce
2 TB butter, melted
1/2 cup agave syrup

1. Preheat oven to  375° F. Combine oats through cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix milk through agave syrup in a small bowl. 

2. Add milk mixture to oat mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Pour mixture into a 8-inch square pan. Bake in oven till set, about 30-40 minutes.

-------------------------

 
Who likes to change it up?

~Chop up some green apple into mixture. 

~Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg and/or 1/4 tsp ginger to mixture for more spice.
~Use quick-oats for a shorter cooking time...closer to 15-20 minutes.
~Replace agave with brown sugar. 
~Try mixing 1 TB flax seed meal with 3 TB water to replace the egg. 
~Use other dried fruit like cranberries, apricots, dates instead of raisins.

-------------------------