I love oatmeal. I love the chewy, tender texture of oatmeal. I love the awesomely nutty texture of oatmeal. And it's really pretty awesome that oatmeal is pretty much a nutritional power food! I love it when foods are not only super tasty, but healthy! Now if, when you hear the word oatmeal, you think of a mealy, pasty, globby mess, you have NOT seen the true potential of oatmeal.
And in case you're wondering, this...
is not the true potential of oatmeal. It's time to prove to you how awesome oatmeal really can be. First of all, oatmeal is great for your tastebuds AND your health! Just 1/2 cup gives you just about ALL of your whole grains necessary for the day. And it packs a pretty big punch of protein and fiber, which means it will keep you filled up longer! And, if made right, it tastes soooo good. So, here's a great recipe for baked oatmeal. Enjoy! I altered the recipe a bit (I always do!) but I assure you it still tastes good!
Baked Oatmeal:
See??? That doesn't look goopy at all. And it's absolutely delicious. And filling. Chewy, sweet, cinnamony, and drenched with milk, berries, and yogurt. Now THAT'S some good oatmeal. And you know why there's such a small amount in the above bowl? Because my whole family gobbled it up so fast, I had to scrape the pan to get enough to photograph. (Okay, actually I MADE them save me one piece, and they saved me about half a piece. That's NOT the same thing!!!! But that's a touchy subject.)
It isn't oil free or sugar free, but I did reduce both the sugar and the oil, it's full of power-packed protein, eggs, and of course, oatmeal! So I'd say it's relatively healthy, and kinda like eating an oatmeal cookie for breakfast! Which means it HAS to be a good thing!
Baked Oatmeal:
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats (not quick oats!!)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix everything together in a bowl, and pour into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake until golden around the edges, about 25 minutes. Enjoy!
On another note, many people either think healthy-eating is only for nutrition-addicts, those who are trying to lose weight, or for those who have health issues. The truth is, eating healthy really can be fun, and it can make you feel much more alive and ready to go conquer the world! (Or that pile of laundry, chemistry text book, etc.) Buuuuuuutttttt a good thing CAN be taken to the point of obsession, which is never a good thing! I've been there, done that, and it's pretty miserable and just plain not smart. If you're looking to eat healthyISH, then I recommend doing it to take care of your body, because it's God's temple. It's a fun, somewhat easy way to glorify God in EVERY aspect of your life. Have fun, and eat oatmeal, people! :)
I love baked oatmeal! It's SO much better than cooked oatmeal. We like to put cinnamon chips in it if we have them.
ReplyDeleteYUM!! I love baked oatmeal. My mom used to make it...Thanks for the idea! it looks delish:-)
ReplyDeleteHaha, guess who else posted about oats? LOVE the 2nd picture. And the new background! I liked your point at the end, it was honest, encouraging, and really good . . . a lot like your testimony;)
ReplyDeleteQuestion: When do you add fruit, b/c it isn't in the recipe. Also, your family can eat a whole 9x13?!?!?! Not even we can do that!
You add the fruit AFTER its cooked and AFTER you put yogurt and milk on it. :) And does your family eat if for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, etc, until it's gone? Because mines does!
DeleteGotcha:) And I thought you meant in one sitting . . . yes we can eat a 9x13 in several sittings:) Actually, the only casseroles we do for breakfast are egg casseroles and french toast casseroles and thats only when we have guests or its Christmas morning. Soooooo we don't really snack on egg casserole throughout the day:)
DeleteNow, I dont like oatmeal BUTTT this looks sooo good!
ReplyDeleteI love baked oatmeal! Or at least I did before I was pregnant. :) it's been one of those weird things that haven't sat well with me recently, but I sure hope my taste for it comes back because it's a lot yummier than regular oatmeal (but have you ever tried putting a tablespoon of peanut butter in your oatmeal? It's pretty amazing!).
ReplyDelete