Baked Oatmeal

You will never need another baked oatmeal recipe again! This is packed with whole grain extra thick oats, all kinds of fruit, protein (egg, nuts and milk of your choose) and the wonderful unrefined sweetener maple syrup.

1 cup extra thick rolled oats (gluten-free if need)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted, divided
1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
1/8 - 1/4 cup maple syrup (Depending on the sweetness you like.)
1 cup organic whole milk (or any other milk you use)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 cup blueberries or raspberries (fresh or frozen)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, half of the nuts, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir with a fork to combine. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the maple syrup, milk, egg, butter and vanilla. Spread the sliced bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the berries. Sprinkle the dry oat mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries over the top. Bake for 20-30 minutes (mine always takes around 20 minutes), until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. You may enjoy drizzling milk of your choose over the warm oatmeal. Enjoy!