Baked Banana Oatmeal

With all the snow, ice and frigid temperatures that have settled in to the northeast it's nice to start the day off with a hearty breakfast.  This baked oatmeal is just the ticket.  We've been making it at least once a week, and since it bakes in the oven that leaves mommy's hands free to do other things (like chase the kids around the house). Healthy, warm, and yummy this oatmeal will give you all the energy you need to do something like this...

play in a fort

...or this.

what mommy gets to pick up while the kids are napping

Baked Banana Oatmeal

serves 4

The mashed banana gives this oatmeal a touch of sweetness without any added sugar.  If you want a caramelized crust a sprinkle of brown sugar and a few minutes under the broiler is near perfection.  You could always add in a few tablespoons of ground flax seed, wheat bran or chopped nuts to the mix too. I like to serve the oatmeal with a splash of milk or half and half.

2 cups milk

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 bananas- 1 mashed/ 1 sliced

2 cups of oatmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine milk, egg, vanilla and the mashed banana.  In a separate bowl combine the oatmeal, baking powder, spices and salt. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

Pour oatmeal into a 8x8 baking dish or pie pan (I don't grease my dish and it seems to come out without any problem).  Place the banana slices on top and sprinkle with brown sugar.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the oatmeal is set and slightly brown on top.  If you want a nice caramelized top, place the oatmeal under the broiler set on high for 3-5 minutes or until nicely brown and bubbly.