baked apple, walnut, date oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c old fashioned oats

• 3/4 walnuts or pecans (chopped)

• 3 tbsp dried, pitted dates (chopped)

• 3/4 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 egg + 1 egg white

• 1 1/2 c milk

• 1/3 c Stewart’s Maple Syrup

• 3/4 tsp vanilla

• 3 tbsp butter (melted)

• 1-2 Granny Smith apples

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

• Prepare an 8-9 inch glass baking dish. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

• In a medium bowl, combine oats, dates, 1/2 c of walnuts, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine.

• In a separate bowl, whisk egg, egg white and milk together. Add vanilla and maple syrup. Mix until you have a uniform mixture.

• Pour wet mixture into oatmeal mix. Stir, adding melted butter, until ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside (you will notice the mixture will appear slightly bubbly).

• Peel and slice (or cube) your apple(s).

• Place a thin layer of apples in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of your oatmeal mixture, spreading evenly. Add another layer of apples and top with remaining oatmeal.

• Sprinkle the top of the oatmeal with remaining walnuts.

• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and oats have set.

• Cool for 20 minutes on a wire baking rack and enjoy!

Tips:

• I am a big fan of sweets that double as breakfast and dessert. Warm a cup of oatmeal and enjoy with a scoop of your favorite ice cream and caramel syrup!