Baked Oatmeal (with applesauce)

I've tried baked oatmeal a few times before; while I liked it, I wasn't crazy about it. Until now (and my family is crazy about it, too!). I think it's the lack of vanilla in this recipe, but whatever the reason, this is a tasty, healthy way to start the day! Serve it in bowls, warm, with milk poured over like cereal.

If you want to get a headstart on the morning, mix up the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately (refrigerate wet ingredients); simply combine and bake in the morning. Leftovers reheat well, and this recipe doubles easily (just bake it in a 13x9-inch pan).

~From Simply in Season

• 2 c. rolled oats
• 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
• 1 t. baking powder
• 1/3 c. raisins
• 3 T. chopped walnuts, optional
• 1 c. milk plus extra for pouring over bowls
• 1/2 c. applesauce
• 2 T. oil
• 1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine dry ingredients (oats through nuts) in a bowl.

Combine wet ingredients, whisking thoroughly.

Pour wet ingredients over dry, stirring to combine. Mixture will look like oatmeal looks when you first start to cook it on the stove (i.e. not like a normal batter). Pour into a greased 8x8-inch pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

~Serves 4