Making big batches of whole grains is a necessity for me to be able to throw quick and healthy meals together. Sometimes I like for it to be a big pot of slow cooked hearty oats, this stage is the more involved part because it requires a constant eye and regular stirring. But it makes the following mornings much easier when I can pour some of the leftovers into a baking dish, top it with fruit and bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is warm and golden and the inside is warm and gooey. This time I used a commercial already mixed apple cinnamon variety with some dried fruit, nuts and seeds in with the oats but the options are nearly endless. Once the oats are cooked, adding a couple spoonfuls of any dried fruits, nuts, seeds and/or nut butter gives it some customized extra flavour along with extra nutrients.
- 2 cups oatmeal (I used an apple cinnamon variety with some dried fruit, nuts and seeds; stir in a little water or milk if it's too thick to easily stir around)
- 1-2 cups fresh fruit (I used baked nectarines, cherries and blueberries)
- Preheat oven to 350°. Pour the oatmeal into a wide baking dish, level it out, then arrange some fresh fruit on top. Press the fruit down firmly so it's partway submerged. Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the inside in thoroughly reheated.
