Baked Oatmeal

​We like healthy but REALISTIC recipes, especially things that make mornings easier.

This is a favorite recipe and can be used as leftovers for a few days if you make enough. It is easy to "grab and go!" - perfect for crazy mornings, especially with school!

Baked Oatmeal
Baked Oatmeal with Dried Fruit & Nuts by NOURISHED KITCHEN

Ingredients for Baked Oatmeal
1 pound steel cut oats
1  cup walnuts, or other nuts (see sources)
2 tablespoons yogurt, kefir, whey or buttermilk (for soaking)
dash unrefined sea salt
6 pastured eggs
2 cups whole, fresh milk (also substitute coconut or nut milks)
up to ¼ cup pure maple syrup (optional - could also use honey or agave)
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup dried unsulfured apricots, diced (or other dried fruit)
2 tablespoons cinnamon
¼ cup coconut oil, plus extra for greasing baking dish
BONUS NUTRITION: Add 1/4 cup flax seed meal and/or 1/4 cup chia seeds.

Method for Preparing Baked Oatmeal
1. Pour the steel cut oats and nuts into a ceramic container or mixing bowl.
2. Add enough filtered water to completely submerge your oats and nuts. Add a dash of salt and a two tablespoons of  fresh yogurt, whey, kefir or buttermilk.
3. Allow the oats and nuts to soak, covered, overnight in a warm place in your kitchen – about eight to twelve hours.
After the mixture of oats and nuts has soaked overnight, dump them into a colander to drain and place the mixture back into the ceramic container or mixing bowl.
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 13 x 9-inch rectangular baking pan with coconut oil or another wholesome fat of your choosing.
5. Meanwhile beat together eggs, milk, maple syrup (if you’re using it), until well-combined and frothy.
6. Pour the mixture of eggs, milk and maple syrup over the soaked oats and nuts, stirring well to combine into a porridge-like mixture.
7. Gently fold dried fruit, cinnamon and coconut oil into the porridge-like mixture.
8. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and smooth it out with a rubber spatula to ensure even baking and a good appearance. Can also use muffin cups if preferred for quick "grab and go" options!

Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for forty to forty-five minutes or until the oatmeal achieves a pleasing golden-brown color on top, a knife inserted into its center comes out clean and free from liquid and the fragrance of baked oats, dried fruit and cinnamon perfumes your kitchen.

If you can bear the wait, allow the baked oatmeal to cool for five to ten minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
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YIELD: 12 to 16 servings
TIME: 10 minutes (preparation), 8 to 12 hours (soaking), 40 to 45 minutes (baking)