Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Raisins

Merry Christmas everyone! Are you busy shopping and wrapping? Of course you are, but I also hope you have time to whip up a few heart-warming dishes during this big week! I am planning to keep it simple for sure. With lots of running (thankfully we have lots of local family members to visit) I can’t be delving into difficult recipes on top of my cookie baking projects.

 I fell in love with this recipe at a my friend Heidi’s house in early November. She assigned me to make it for a baby shower that she hosted for a dear group of friends. It was a breeze to toss together and that is when I decided it was going to be my Christmas breakfast casserole this year! I have stocked up on the ingredients and printed out the recipe so I will be ready to assemble Christmas morning. I can already imagine the house filling with scents of cinnamon and baked apple while we are unwrapping gifts.

 Another big bonus is that I will be able to incorporate Eckert’s Granny Smith apples which are still available in our produce department in the Belleville Country Store. I am not planning to peel the apples- another time saver for me. If you are looking to make this recipe gluten free, just be sure to check the label on the oatmeal.

 I would love to hear what your favorite go-to Christmas breakfast recipes entail. Please share!!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas from the entire Eckert Family!!

Eat well this holiday season,

Angie

Baked Oatmeal with Apples, Raisins and Pecans
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
½ cup brown sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans, divided
½ cup raisins
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
2 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
2 tart apples, cut into chunks

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, ½ cup pecans, raisins, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs then add in milk and vanilla. Whisk until incorporated.
Add milk mixture to oat mixture. Pour in melted butter.
Place apples in baking dish. Pour oat mixture on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top. Bake 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.