What’s Cooking Wednesday: Baked Bree’s Blackberry Baked Oatmeal

February is American Heart Month, and given the connection between heart health and whole grains, I am sharing a recipe where whole grains are the star of the show. Luckily, I don’t need a reason to eat whole grains; I eat them because they are delicious. But if I did, one reason might be because whole grains are full of vitamins and minerals. Need another? Whole grains also can reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Whole grains have been known to give you healthier blood pressure levels, a reduced risk of asthma, and even decrease the risk of gum disease.

This recipe for Baked Oatmeal is one of my family’s favorite ways to start the day. Simple to make, warm and filling, I feel good sending my family off to work and school knowing they got a healthy start to the day.  Play with the flavors and change out the fruits and nuts to customize this oatmeal to what is in season and pleases your family’s palette.  Cheers to a happy, healthy heart!

Baked Bree’s Blackberry Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnut pieces
• 1/3 cup natural cane sugar or maple syrup (and more syrup for serving)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 Tablespoons butter melted and cooled slightly
• 2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 bananas
• 1 1/2 cups blackberries (blueberries, raspberries, or a mixture)

Directions:

Mix together the oats, half of the walnuts, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.

Generously butter the bottom of an 8-inch pan and add sliced bananas and half of the blackberries. Add the oat mixture to the top of the fruit.

Pour the milk mixture over the oats. Use a spoon to make sure the milk mixture is incorporated throughout the oats.
Add the remaining walnuts and blackberries.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven with the rack in the top third of the oven for 35 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden and the oatmeal should be set. Let the oatmeal cool for a few minutes and serve with maple syrup and if you are really feeling wild, more melted butter.

About the Blogger: Bree Hester writes the blog Baked Bree. She is a mom of 3 all with 3 very different palates. One eats everything, one eats most things (one bit anyways), and one only eats things that are beige (translation: only carbs).