Baked Oatmeal

This is by far one of my favourite things to have for breakfast/brunch. I can't remember where I got this recipe, but it's very very good.


Ingredients:

• 2 c oats
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1/3 c raisins
• 1 Tbs chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 c milk
• 1/2 c applesauce
• 2 Tbs butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla

1)  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)and grease a baking pan (8" square or something similar).
2)  Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
3)  In a separate medium bowl, combine the applesauce, milk, butter, egg and vanilla.
4)  Add the applesauce mixture to the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate.
4) Pour into baking pan and bake 30-45 minutes, until dark golden on top. Serve warm, with milk and cut-up fruit, if desired.
 

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

The other day, we received what is, as far as I am concerned, the absolute best applesauce ever, courtesy of Ms Peggy. I could have honestly eaten the whole tub myself in one sitting, that's how delicious it was. Unfortunately, my little boy refused to even touch it, so I figured I may as well make something using the apple sauce. I was looking for something quick and easy and I came across this lovely recipe here. I love the fact that I didn't have to use much sugar, most of the sweetness came from the no-sugar-added-wonderfully-homemade applesauce Peggy brought us. I did change the recipe slightly, as I didn't have any whole wheat flour and I used all-purpose. I didn't add any nuts or dried fruit either. The muffins turned out perfectly moist and flavourful. They didn't last long! I think next time I will add 1/2 tsp of almond extract, I feel it would add the perfect twist.

Ingredients (for 12 muffins):

• 1 c oatmeal
• 1 c applesauce
• 1/2 c milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 Tbs (1/2 stick) unsalted butter,melted
• 1/3 c sugar
• 3/4 c flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 c chopped walnuts or dried fruit (optional)

1)  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), prepare the muffin tin and set aside.
2)  In medium bowl, stir together the oatmeal, applesauce, milk, egg, vanilla, butter and sugar.
3) In a separate, larger bowl, whisk the remaining dry ingredients.
4) Pour the applesauce mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5) Pour the batter into the muffin cups and bake 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.