Add-Ins Oatmeal Casserole

Anytime I find a recipe that saves me cooking AND washing up time, I’m all over it. And triple bonus if it’s healthy!

So when I found this Add-Ins Oatmeal Casserole, I tweaked it (of course) by adjusting the spices to suit my taste, and modified the topping to significantly lower the calories.  (Did you know walnuts have 800 calories per cup? YIKES!!!)

You may be wondering how an oatmeal recipe can save time.  Well, the beauty of this recipe is that you make it and then scoop out individual servings every time you want it. Just zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds – done! It tastes freshly made each time. Now I can have a hot and healthy breakfast or snack at the ready. Easy peezy!

I will confess that my husband, who has eaten the same oatmeal every single morning of our married life, is not a lover of this recipe. He claims it’s not that he doesn’t like it, it’s just he prefers his routine, same old-same old oatmeal. What can I say? He’s an extreme creature of habit. Thank goodness I’m one of his habits!

NOTE:  Change the add-ins to what you prefer or have in the house. Next time, I’m going to throw in some diced apple.

ADD-INS OATMEAL CASSEROLE

• 2 cups dry oatmeal  (I used the quick cooking kind)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp each ginger, cardamon, nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ salt (regular or sea salt)
• 1½ cup carrots, shredded
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 eggs
• 2¼ cups milk (I used nonfat cow’s milk. You can also use almond milk.)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 T coconut oil
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, coconut oil, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. This is the topping.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oatmeal, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, carrots, and raisins.

In yet another bowl beat together the eggs, then whisk in the milk and vanilla. Stir this into the oatmeal mixture. Pour into a buttered 8″ x 10″ casserole dish. Sprinkle on the topping evenly.

Bake uncovered at 325º Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes.  Serve immediately.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.