Baked Oatmeal

Did you know baked oatmeal is a new thing?! I had no idea!!!
I knew you could bake it into cookies...but THIS!? THIS is amazing!!!
Baked oatmeal is very different from the stovetop kind. The consistency is close to cake but the edges turn out all crispy like a cookie! It's fabulous! If you don't eat regular oatmeal because you detest the goopy consistency, THIS baked version will change your life! Oatmeal just got much more fabulous and a LOT more classy! Here's the recipe adapted from allrecipies.com...serves four people or two REALLY hungry people :)

1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (the quick cooking variety will break down and get soggy)

1/2 cup  dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk (any fat content will do)

1/4 cup melted butter

1 large egg

splash of vanilla extract

handful of dried cranberries (optional)

Granny Smith apples, fresh raspberries, slivered almonds and pistachios for topping (Use your imagination)

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the oats, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, butter, egg and vanilla extract.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to incorporate.  Fold in the dried cranberries.

Pour mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan.  Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly firm to the touch and no wiggle remains.

Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes then spoon into serving bowls.  Top with milk, fresh fruit and nuts and serve.

Bon appetite!