Friday
Mar272009
baked oatmeal
03.27.2009
Its approaching 4 years since Brian and I packed up and moved to Virginia. We came from North Carolina, but had only lived there for one year so were really still Floridians at heart. Having spent the first 22 years of our lives in the Sunshine State we were new to the whole idea of seasons, or at least noticeable seasonal changes. Each year I discover new subtleties in the transitions from one season to the next. I'm getting good at knowing which flowers in my yard will be first to wake from their winter slumber (snowbells) and which trees will show the first signs of life (plums). I've even finally realized that just because the temperature reaches 70* one weekend in early March, it doesn't mean that we won't have snow two days later. I know this, yet I'm still surprised each year.
Even with all I've learned in the last four years, I’m still trying to get used to the radical temperature swings that Virginia sees when transitioning from Autumn to Winter and Winter to Spring. Last weekend the highs were forecast to be in the mid-60's, perfect weather for getting seeds planted in the garden, yet when I woke up Sunday morning my bedside thermometer read 28*. Since I knew what was to come later that day, I quickly called my walking buddy Christine (due any day now with her baby girl!!!) and rescheduled our stroll for the afternoon, when the weather would be more pleasant. And then I crawled back in bed.
Though it postponed my morning exercise, what this cold morning did afford me was longer snuggle time under the covers with Brian and our dogs, a large pot of coffee after finally making my way to the kitchen and the opportunity to make this recipe that I found at Seven Spoons some weeks earlier. We all know that I love oatmeal (who doesn't? really?) so I was excited not only to discover Tara's lovely blog on Tastespotting, but to be introduced to it through a recipe that was so very perfect for me. Oats, fresh fruit, almonds and pepitos and some of my favorite spices all baked together into a warm, satisfying breakfast...what's not to love?
This dish was really delicious. I substituted fresh strawberries for Tara’s frozen blueberries and added some orange zest because, well, I think everything is better with a bit of citrus. There are endless possibilities of fruit and spice combinations, and I think you could even substitute some or all of the sugar for honey or maple syrup. It would make for a great meal when you have a couple of house guests but it also heats up exceptionally well the next day if you want to keep it all for yourself.
Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries and Bananas
original recipe from seven spoons
Ingredients:
Method:
In the Blog World...
Meghann is hosting another Blogger Bake Sale to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Not only do I love Meghann because she is my cousin, but this girl is so incredibly inspirational. I love reading about her accomplishments with running, fitness and healthy eating. She's competed in many races and come up with some really great recipes. Read about her first bake sale here - she raised $1320 for a great cause!!! I'll be donating this and this, so be sure to check her blog on April 6th to place your bids!!!
Even with all I've learned in the last four years, I’m still trying to get used to the radical temperature swings that Virginia sees when transitioning from Autumn to Winter and Winter to Spring. Last weekend the highs were forecast to be in the mid-60's, perfect weather for getting seeds planted in the garden, yet when I woke up Sunday morning my bedside thermometer read 28*. Since I knew what was to come later that day, I quickly called my walking buddy Christine (due any day now with her baby girl!!!) and rescheduled our stroll for the afternoon, when the weather would be more pleasant. And then I crawled back in bed.
Though it postponed my morning exercise, what this cold morning did afford me was longer snuggle time under the covers with Brian and our dogs, a large pot of coffee after finally making my way to the kitchen and the opportunity to make this recipe that I found at Seven Spoons some weeks earlier. We all know that I love oatmeal (who doesn't? really?) so I was excited not only to discover Tara's lovely blog on Tastespotting, but to be introduced to it through a recipe that was so very perfect for me. Oats, fresh fruit, almonds and pepitos and some of my favorite spices all baked together into a warm, satisfying breakfast...what's not to love?
This dish was really delicious. I substituted fresh strawberries for Tara’s frozen blueberries and added some orange zest because, well, I think everything is better with a bit of citrus. There are endless possibilities of fruit and spice combinations, and I think you could even substitute some or all of the sugar for honey or maple syrup. It would make for a great meal when you have a couple of house guests but it also heats up exceptionally well the next day if you want to keep it all for yourself.
Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries and Bananas
original recipe from seven spoons
Ingredients:
- Softened butter for greasing the pan
- 2 cups large flake rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup pepitas, lightly toasted
- 2 teaspoons flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- zest from 1 medium orange
- 2 cups milk (I used plain soymilk)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 3 medium bananas, diced
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- Coarse sugar, optional
Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the inside of a baking dish, 2-quart capacity.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, brown sugar, pepitas, flax seeds, baking powder, orange zest, spices and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, almost all of the butter (save about 1 teaspoon for drizzling over the finished dish), vanilla and maple syrup. Set aside.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread the diced bananas in an even layer, then scatter the strawberries over top. Pile the oat mixture to cover the fruit, but do not pack too tightly. Carefully pour the wet milk mixture over the oats.
- Drizzle over the reserved butter, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the oatmeal is puffed and set, with a golden brown top.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
In the Blog World...
Meghann is hosting another Blogger Bake Sale to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Not only do I love Meghann because she is my cousin, but this girl is so incredibly inspirational. I love reading about her accomplishments with running, fitness and healthy eating. She's competed in many races and come up with some really great recipes. Read about her first bake sale here - she raised $1320 for a great cause!!! I'll be donating this and this, so be sure to check her blog on April 6th to place your bids!!!
Reader Comments (38)
Your pictures and writing are beautiful, I love reading your blog! :)
I have always wanted to try baked oatmeal. Thanks for a great recipe. It looks wonderful!
Lovely story, recipe and post.
Wow your Baked Oatmeal looks awesome. I may have to try making a much smaller version of this :)
Thanks for the sout out and thanks for once again contributing to my Bake Sale. :)
"I’ve even finally realized that just because the temperature reaches 70°F one weekend in early March, it doesn’t mean that we won’t have snow two days later. "
Haha, I deal with the same kind of weather :-D
STUNNING oatmeal bake!!
Looks yummy! I moved to Oregon from Hawaii will be here till end of summer I must say not digging winter at all lol!
That is absolutely gorgeous!
Yum, it looks fantastic!
I am making this TONIGHT so we can eat it for breakfast in the morning!
I was happy to see that there was an egg in this recipe, because I have another baked oatmeal recipe that doesn't have egg, but I always add it so it makes it kind of custardy!
I hope that work (and life in general) is going well for you!
beautiful baked oatmeal... its such a good breakfast!
Oooh that looks good. Seems like such a comforting dish.
Lovely recipe, thanks for posting!
Your baked oatmeal looks chock full of so many delicious things! It's really pretty. :)
Same weather here too! They said we might get snow this weekend and it's 60 today! Ahhhh!!
What a delicious dish :)
Hello m'dear! I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled that you enjoyed the oatmeal. Strawberries sound marvelous - I have your version bookmarked to try.
Stunning dish!
oh wow does that look good!!! I will have to try it soon...when I can get fresh strawberries in June though!!!
I am so annoyed...we have had nice weather for the last week and half and whats the forecast for my race on Sunday...AM SNOW. BAH season changes.
This looks like a yummy dish. Makes me want a cute small baking dish.
PS...your banana bread is delish!
Your baked oatmeal looks so delicious and filling!
That baked oatmeal looks perfect!
I LOVE the change of seasons in VA. I think it's the main reason I don't want to move. Yeah, and it be a little annoying and unpredictable at times, but nothing beats the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall and the blooming trees every spring.
that oatmeal looks amazing! your writing is so beautiful to read :)
That baked oatmeal is so amazing! I love the idea of adding fresh strawberries :) I agree with Brandi - your writing is superb!!
great! im sure to try this out soon
thanks!
All those bananas are absolutely stunning!
NAOmni
Wow that looks amazing! I imagine it would do nicely s a dessert as well!