Fruit & Nut Baked Oatmeal

Making healthier choices is often a common goal for many at the beginning of each year, but unfortunately, so many times life happens and good intentions get replaced with the hustle and bustle of every day life. The key to long term health success is planning ahead. Don’t let your eating habits guide you, guide your eating habits by planning meals and snacks for success. This baked oatmeal recipe is a wonderful way to set yourself up for success long after the fad diets have played out.

3 Reasons to Love This Recipe:
1. This baked oatmeal recipe with pecans can be easily adjusted based on your own ingredient preferences. For instance, feel free to choose you preferred liquid (whole milk, reduced fat milk, unsweetened almond milk, etc.), or incorporate your favorite sweetener (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, etc.). Switch up the additions by having fun with seasonal flavors. Toss in fresh berries in the summer time, incorporate frozen strawberries out of season, or sprinkle raisins in the oatmeal during the winter. Feel empowered to make this breakfast staple something you look forward to enjoying, not dreading.
2. This baked oatmeal recipe with pecans is wonderful to make ahead and munch on through the week. Remember, the key to healthier habits is planning ahead. Take the extra moments to set your health up for success.
3. This baked oatmeal with pecans can be made ahead of time and frozen for safe keeping until it’s needed. Ensure you are never unprepared to prioritize better eating.

Recipe:

• 2/3 cup farm fresh pecan pieces (I prefer to use large pecan pieces)

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 3/4 cups milk of choice

• 1/3 cup maple syrup, honey or brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (could also use coconut oil if preferred)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 1 cup dried fruit (I used raisins) or 1 pint fresh or frozen berries, divided

• Optional toppings for serving: plain/vanilla yogurt or whipped cream, additional maple syrup or honey for drizzling, and/or additional fresh fruit

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375*F.

2. Mix together the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and farm fresh pecan pieces).

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetener, vanilla, eggs, melted butter and milk.

4. In an 8 x 8 baking dish, sprinkle half the fruit along the bottom of the pan.

5. Layer the dry oat mixture on top of the fruit.

6. Pour the liquid mixture over the oats. Make sure all corners are soaked.

7. Sprinkle remaining fruit over the top of the dish.

Tip: For added sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar over the top and allow the top to caramelize while in the oven.

8. Cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve with yogurt, whipped cream or drizzled with honey and enjoy the taste of healthy satisfaction!