Baked Oatmeal

I originally got this recipe from $5 Dinners - and I can't thank them enough!

2 eggs
1/2 cup applesauce (I use sugar free)
3/4 cup sugar (IF I use applesauce with sugar - I cut this back to half)
1 cup milk
3 cups of quick cooking oats
1 tsp salt (I have left this out completely or just added one shake)
1 TBS baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 TBS brown sugar
1 cup fresh fruit (I have used frozen berries, you may need to add a few minutes to baking time to bake out the extra liquids.)
2 TBS wheat germ (not in the original recipe, but I add it)


Directions
1. In large bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, sugar, and milk. Once creamy add oats, salt and baking powder (and wheat germ) and mix. Then add 1 cup fruit.

You can use Gluten free oats if this is a concern for your family.

2. Pour batter into greased 9x13 baking dish. (You can cut the recipe in half and bake in 8x8 pan. I prefer to bake the full recipe in a glass dish that is irregularly shaped - I think it's around a 8x10. This makes the oatmeal thicker and the sugar topping has more POW with each bite!)

3. Sprinkle top with brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with either milk or vanilla yogurt. (I vote for yogurt, but the boys prefer it with milk.)

We've tried fresh strawberries (sometimes I use strawberry applesauce in that batch), fresh blueberries, apples, and frozen fruits as well. All have been a winner! We only made the 8x8 batch once...since then we make the full batch and have enjoyed it for a very filling dinner. Then I pray for leftovers so that I can take some to work each day and warm it slightly in the microwave and top with yogurt.

As an additional note, one night when I was clearly brain-dead from my day, I accidentally topped with yogurt without warming it up first. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was still delicious and I can see this being a summertime favorite as well!

Enjoy -you've got to love a simple, cheap, yummy dish that is healthy and filling- and very close to eating CAKE!