baked oatmeal

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So if you are like me and pretty much eat the same breakfast day in and day out and once in awhile want to mix it up, a little, then you may want to try this baked oatmeal instead of the traditional. It's so good, it could almost be a dessert. It's chock full of healthiness and tastiness.  I found the recipe here at wholehearted eats and only changed the method up a bit.  I'm finding that if I use dates for sweetness, it is often good to puree them with the liquids going into a dish instead of just chopping them and adding them in small chunks. The sweetness gets spread around a little more consistently.


2 Cups Rolled Oats 
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ginger
1/8 tsp Sea Salt
2 Cups Almond Milk 
2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds (soaked in 4 Tbsp water/almond milk)
2 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
3/4 Cup Walnuts (Roughly Chopped)
1/3 Cup Chopped Dates 
2 Apples (Diced)

Procedure:

Begin by soaking the chia in 4 Tbls. water or almond milk and let sit for 5 minutes. In a bowl combine the oats, baking powder, spices, and salt. In another bowl combine the chia seed mixture, almond milk, and maple syrup, whisking to combine. Mix the wet ingredients into the oats, and stir in 1/2 cup walnuts (saving 1/4 cup for the top), dates, and the diced apple. Pour the mixture into a 9 by 13 inch pan that has been greased lightly with some coconut oil. Garnish with reserved 1/4 walnuts. Bake in a 375 F oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with maple syrup if desired.