Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

I made this oatmeal for an early morning meeting and it really hit the spot.  What a great way to start the day!  The warm oatmeal was perfect for a chilly morning, and the apples gave it extra flavor and texture.  It tastes like a healthy version of apple pie.  I like to put milk on mine, but you don't have to.  All the ladies loved it, and for a breakfast that is actually healthy and hearty, I have to say I'm impressed.  I'll be making this again for sure!















Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
picture and recipe from Annie's Eats

INGREDIENTS

For the cooked apples:
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 large apples, peeled and sliced (your favorite variety)
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tbsp. brown sugar

For the oatmeal:
1 cup steel cut oats
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
4 cups hot water
3 cups old-fashioned oats
6 tbsp. brown sugar
¾ tsp. salt
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. grated nutmeg
½ cup milk
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tsp. vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the apple slices, cinnamon, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Place the steel cut oats in a large bowl with the butter. Pour the hot water over the oats and cover the bowl. Let stand for 20 minutes.

After the steel cut oats have finished soaking, stir in the old fashioned oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the dried fruit. In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the milk, apple sauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir the liquid mixture into the oat mixture.

Spread the cooked apples over the bottom of a lightly greased 2 quart-ish baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture on top of the apples. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.