Baked Oatmeal with Mix Ins

You know how when you go out to eat with friends there's always that one person who can't decide what they want? That person does everything to delay their decision. They ask for the waiter to take others' orders first. They ask to start out with drinks. They ask what the soup of the day is and if they can substitute a sweet potato for french fries. And while your stomach begins to eat away at itself, that person agonizes over the menu choices until finally, at the last minute, making a decision.

To all of you who identified with that scenario, I'm sorry. I am that person. Did I have anxiety when I chose a college? No. Got married? No. Started a new job? No. Bought a house? No. A little. I don't typically agonize over decisions too much, but when it comes to food, I'm a mess.

That's why this baked oatmeal is my perfect breakfast treat. The oatmeal itself is somewhere between pudding and cookie...warm, crumbly, and spiked with sugar and cinnamon. Delicious on its own. But you should know this decision impaired lady couldn't stop there.

 I add fruits, nuts, milk, syrup. Salty, Crunchy. Creamy. Fruity. Sweet. With baked oatmeal, I don't have to decide between textures or tastes. I can have them all! This dish is perfect for families, for brunches, or just for you. Each person can make it their own way or you can have a new flavor every day of the week! Try it yourself and tell me what's in your perfect baked oatmeal!

Baked Oatmeal
Yield: 1 8 x8 in or 9 inch pie pan
Recipe from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats *If making these gluten free, be sure to buy Certified GF Oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix ins: I used raspberries, blueberries, walnuts, and milk. But any berries or nuts would be delicious!

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, sugar, cinnamon baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to incorporate.
3. Pour mixture into a greased 9 in pie pan or 8 x 8 in square pan. Bake fro 20-25 minutes, until firm and golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven, spoon into serving bowls, and top with your favorite mix ins!