Baked Oatmeal

My girls prefer a hot breakfast each morning, so I am always on the look-out for new ideas.  While they do not get bored of eggs or pancakes, I do!  I found this baked oatmeal, and knew it could be great not only for weekday mornings, but for weekends or even as part of a brunch menu.  You can sub in any fruit or nut combo that you like or just use whatever you have on hand!  The texture is almost cake-like with the egg, butter, and brown sugar, and it is so warm and comforting.  Try making it this weekend for your family!  If you need more than four servings, simply double it and bake in a 9x13 instead.

Baked OatmealPrinter-Friendly Version

3 cups old-fashioned oats (quick-cooking will not stand up to the baking)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup melted butter

splash of vanilla
1 egg

1/2 cup skim milk (any fat content will work)
Handful dried cherries (if desired)

To serve:

Fresh berries
Pistachios or toasted, sliced almonds\
Hot milk, to serve


Preheat oven to 350*F
Stir dry ingredients together.  Whisk butter, vanilla, egg, and milk in separate bowl, then stir into dry mixture.  Fold in dried cherries.   Pour into a lightly greased pie plate.

 

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until set in the middle.  Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve in bowls with hot milk and desired berries and nuts.

Yield: 4 servings
Source: Adapted from Joy the Baker