Baked Oatmeal – A Healthy Surprise!

Living in the country is a real delight and a surprise for me.  I have always lived in the city, some as small as a couple thousand people and several as large as a million souls!  When we moved to the country I did wonder how, or if, I would ever meet any of our neighbors.  With acreage surrounding us it was evident to me I wouldn’t be chatting over the garden fence!  As it turned out, I needn’t have worried … because our wonderful neighbors found us!

Even before we moved into our country home we were acquainted with several families.  And now, just a short time later, we not only have neighbors we know well, but I am hoping, life-long friends.  One such friend is my sister-in-Christ, Gaye.  She is one of the most genuine and loving women I have ever known. We both quickly discovered our love for homemaking and cooking.

The following recipe is just one of many I have already received from Gaye.  It is a great twist on an old breakfast standby – oatmeal! If you haven’t ever tried baked oatmeal, you are in for a treat!  I was skeptical – but not anymore.  As is my nature I have “tweaked” this one with some suggestions at the end of the recipe.  Have fun, give this a try this weekend!

Baked Oatmeal

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup oil
• ½ cup sugar (white or brown)
• 3 cups oats (instant or old fashioned)
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¾  cups milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla  (optional, but a very good addition)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (optional, but shown in these pictures)

Topping:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together eggs, oil, and sugar. Add dry ingredients and milk. Beat together well. Pour into a greased 9” by 13” pan or baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes then spread ¼ cup brown sugar on top. Bake for 15 minutes more.

My notes:  Add raisins, nuts, chopped apple, chopped dates, blueberries, or any other favorite ingredient.  You may also top with brown sugar mixed with cinnamon – my husband’s favorite!