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Baked Oatmeal Serves Up a Tasty Twist for Breakfast

(Family Features) - Mom was right — breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. Not only does it nourish the body and mind, but studies have shown that it also may help with weight management.

While whole-grain oatmeal is a delicious way to start every day, weekends afford you an opportunity to think "beyond the bowl." Baked Cherry Almond Oatmeal is a deliciously different take on a breakfast table staple. This hearty, flavorful recipe can be made in individual ramekins or in an 8-inch square pan, making it perfect for brunch or a big family breakfast.

For more great tasting recipes using the whole-grain goodness of oats — morning, noon or night — visit www.quakeroatmeal.com.

Baked Cherry Almond Oatmeal
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 23 to 30 minutes

2-1/4 cups Quaker oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups 2% milk
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
Vanilla lowfat yogurt

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8 (6-ounce) custard cups or ramekins with nonstick cooking spray; arrange on rimmed baking sheet.
In large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar and salt; mix well. In medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, butter, vanilla and almond extract. Add to dry ingredients; mix until well blended. Spoon into prepared cups. Stir cherries into each cup, dividing evenly; sprinkle evenly with almonds.
Bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 23 to 26 minutes for quick oats, 25 to 30 minutes for old fashioned. (Centers will not be completely set.) Cool 10 minutes. Top with yogurt.

8 Servings

Cook's Tip: To toast almonds, bake on baking sheet in preheated 350°F oven until fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes. Or, spread on microwave-safe plate and microwave on HIGH (100% power) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes.

Nutrition Information: 1/8 of recipe Calories 280, Calories From Fat 80, Total Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 2.5g, Cholesterol 85mg, Sodium 220mg, Total Carbohydrates 41g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 11g.

Variations:

Substitute dried cranberries, blueberries or chopped dried apricots for dried cherries.

To bake in 8-inch square baking pan: Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine oats, brown sugar, salt and cherries in large bowl. Combine milk, eggs, butter, vanilla and almond extract in medium bowl. Add to dry ingredients; mix thoroughly. Pour into pan. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes.

SOURCE: Quaker Oats