Baked Oatmeal

Baked Oatmeal

Serves 8

This is so good I don't think I will make oatmeal any other way. Perfect to make up a batch on the weekend and have cup portions in the refrigerator for a quick breakfast during a busy week. 

Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl:

4 c. oatmeal

¼ c. wheat germ

¼ c. ground flax seed

½ tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

½ c. brown sugar packed (I like to use dark brown sugar as it has a deeper molasses flavor)

2 c. pitted dates, chopped or any dried fruit of your choice (we love dates, like candy, great fiber choice)

1 c. chopped nut of choice (I prefer pecans, but walnuts and almonds would be good) optional

Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl:

2 eggs

1 c. applesauce

1 c. buttermilk (you can make your own with milk and 1 tbs. lemon juice-sit 5 minutes before using)

1 ½ c. milk (I use skim)

1 c. plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream or plain yogurt)

1 tsp. vanilla

Topping:

4 Tbs. butter tabs (for the top before baking)

1 Tbs. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon 

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 pan or two 8 x 8 pans. Mix dry ingredients separate from wet. Be sure to mix wet in a very large bowl so there is plenty of room to add dry ingredients stirring just until combined.  The mixture should be wet and creamy.  Pour batter into pans and smooth the top. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with a little milk.