Fruited Pecan Baked Oatmeal

Oh, how I wish you could smell my kitchen. The delightfulness of baking apples and toasting pecans.. When it was time to sit down to breakfast, I was almost sure we were going to be enjoying apple pie.

Fruited Pecan Baked Oatmeal

4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped dates
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Dash of kosher salt
2 eggs
4 cups milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 apples, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecan halves

In a pretty large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Whisk in the milk, applesauce, syrup, butter and vanilla. Add the apples. Add to oat mixture and mix well.

Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle pecans over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for about 30 minutes or until set. Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Serves: about 8-10.

Of course it was delightful for breakfast today and now I'm packing the leftovers into jars so that it's on-hand to grab for breakfast throughout the week. A drizzle of milk or a dollop of sour cream on top with a sprinkle of brown sugar would also be fantastic.