Baked Oatmeal

Baked Oatmeal with Dried Fruit & Nuts

Wholesome, filling and a perfect alternative to soaked oatmeal porridge, baked oatmeal nourishes and satisfies. This recipe for baked oatmeal is seasoned with cinnamon and dotted by the inclusion of raisins, dried cranberries and apricots, though you can use any dried fruit you have on hand. A combination of chopped almonds and dried cherries yields a beautiful result. Some families might find they prefer baked oatmeal without the addition maple syrup; yet others, who are just beginning their transition into real food may prefer to sweeten the dish with up to one-quarter cup maple syrup. I recommend you choose grade B maple syrup, which is richer in flavor and less expensive than grade A maple syrup.

Ingredients for Baked Oatmeal

• 1 pound steel cut oats
• 1 cup walnuts, or other nuts (see sources)
• 2 tablespoons yogurt, kefir, whey or buttermilk (see sources), for soaking
• dash unrefined sea salt
• 6 pastured eggs
• 2 cups whole, fresh milk (see sources)
• up to ¼ cup maples syrup (optional)
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• ½ cup dried unsulfured apricots, diced
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ¼ cup coconut oil, plus extra for greasing baking dish

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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Meanwhile beat together eggs, milk, maple syrup (if you’re using it), until well-combined and frothy.
7. Pour the mixture of eggs, milk and maple syrup over the soaked oats and nuts, stirring well to combine into a porridge-like mixture.
8. Gently fold dried fruit, cinnamon and coconut oil into the porridge-like mixture.
9. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and smooth it out with a rubber spatula to ensure even baking and a good appearance.
10. 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.
11. If you can bear the wait, allow the baked oatmeal to cool for five to ten minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

YIELD: 12 to 16 servings

TIME: 10 minutes (preparation), 8 to 12 hours (soaking), 40 to 45 minutes (baking)