Fruity Baked Oatmeal

Photo courtesy of Taste of Home

Since the weather's cooling off here, hot food and drinks are on the menu!  We happen to fancy this recipe (found in my Taste of Home Most Requested Recipes book.)  It's perfect for cool mornings, makes a good amount, it's EASY and even the picky kids will like it!  You'll love leftovers or sharing with neighbors.  And really, you could substitute any fruit you like.  (You'll find my edits in blue.)

Fruity Baked Oatmeal

3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar - 3/4 cup or to taste
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon - pumpkin pie spice + dash nutmeg
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted - could substitute unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup chopped, peeled tart apple
1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen peaches - 2/3 cup canned peaches
1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries - excluded (I'm the only blueberry fan)
Additional milk, optional - add a little sugar and spices, to taste

In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.  Combine the eggs, milk and butter, add to dry ingredients.  Stir in the fruit.

Pour into an 8-in. square baking dish, coated with cooking spray.  Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 min. or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cut into squares.  Serve with milk if desired.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to batter.

As for serving with milk - my grandma always made what she called "Milk Sauce" (it was really nothing more than sugared up milk with spices) to pour over cobblers, etc.  This is a perfect recipe to use "Milk Sauce" with.  Just be careful, the baked oatmeal is a little sweet if you use 1 cup of brown sugar.  When making the oatmeal, I would start slow with the sugar and add more if need be.  Enjoy!