Oatmeal Bake

Make this the night before for a quick and impressive breakfast! Replace the strawberries with blueberries or other berry. If you do not have Chinese five spice, you can simply substitute with 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious! Add with some milk and your good to go! Simple Perfection!!!

Ingredients:
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice (you can substitute cinnamon)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/3 cup craisins
2 cups reduced-fat (2%) milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slices

 

 

Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously spray the inside of a 10-1/2 by 7 inch baking dish (or 8-inch by 8-inch square baking dish) with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, Chinese five spice, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries and half the craisins. Add to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and craisins on top of the oats. Then, scatter the banana slices.

In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract. Then, pour over oats and fruit. Gently shimmy and shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.

Bake oatmeal for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the milk mixture has set.

For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar on top then place in the   oven under the broil for 20-30 seconds.

**if making the night before make sure to put the bananas on the bottom first since they will brown, and we all know brown bananas do not look appealing!!!!