Baked Oatmeal

This is a recipe where oatmeal haters and oatmeal lovers find common ground. For the worldwide cause of eating more fiber, let us unite!

If you're like me, the texture of regular oatmeal makes your toes curl. You'd rather crawl in a dark corner and rock uncontrollably than eat one spoonful. Blah!

There's hope!

My bestie, Rekah, first made this recipe for me while visiting her little oasis in the Texas panhandle. I was skeptical because of my above mentioned aversion to slimy oats.

I awoke, stumbled to the kitchen, my senses were awakened by the sweet smells of deliciousness!

To my surprise, it tasted magnificent and was void of any slimy gooeyness.

And it's also a SUPER EASY recipe! For you, I offer this gift...

Baked Oatmeal

1/3 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of ground cloves (big pinch, little pinch, you decide!)
1 1/8 cup milk
3 cups quick oats (uncooked)
Add nuts or dried fruit (chocolate chips are good too if you're feeling adventurous.)

Combine first nine ingredients in mixer (you can also use a hand mixer...or a whisk if you want a workout) until well combined. With mixer on low, slowly add oats to mixture. Stir in nuts, if desired.

(Hey goober, the paddle must be in the mixture in order to mix. I'm a dork!)

(I added 1/4 cup chopped pecans to mine. Feel free to add more or less, go crazy!)

Pour into favorite greased baking dish (I have also used a 9x13, it makes the oatmeal a little thinner).

You can prepare and store it covered in the refrigerator, baking it the next morning. I often make it for the weekend because it's a fast, satisfying breakfast before Sunday church.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 35-40 min. If you use a larger pan (9x13), check on it occasionally as it won't take as long to cook.

Serve warm with milk poured over. Top with fruit of choice! Enjoy!

PS. It's kid approved! Yum!

 

(For your handy printable, click here. Right-click in the document and choose Print.)

 

 

Handsome Peanut Butter Pie

A great many things can be solved with kindness, even more with laughter, but there are just some occasions that require PIE!

Father's Day is rapidly approaching and I know you're planning a multitude of festivities. Well, what better way to say "I love you this much" than a big ol' peanut butter pie?!

I believe in this pie, I support this pie, I've vowed to live out my days with Super Hunk, Little Man...and this pie. (How many times can I type the word "pie"?)

Give it a try. It's simple, delicious, and the dessert featured in the June issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine (which automatically elevates it to star status).

Serve it up, hug it out, and high five all the super duper dads in your world.

Handsome Peanut Butter Pie

1 graham cracker crust

1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix

2 cups cold milk (cut in half)

4 oz. (1/2 block) cream cheese

1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups whipped topping

1 tablespoon Nutella

1/3 cup milk chocolate chips, chopped

In small mixing bowl, whisk chocolate pudding mix with 1 cup of milk. Add nutella and mix thoroughly (it will be thick).
 

Pour in bottom of crust. (I used a disposable pie plate because we are planning a backyard bash. Besides all the regular "outdoor dining" challenges, I didn't want to add mangled pie dish to my list. And, let's face it, Dad prefers functional over frilly.)
 

In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining milk together. Slowly add vanilla pudding mix, peanut butter, then 1 cup of whipped topping until combined.
 

Layer on top of chocolate mixture in pan (reserving about 3 tablespoons for top).
 

Spread remaining whipped topping as third layer.
 

Place reserved peanut butter filling in piping bag or Ziploc bag with corner trimmed. Squeeze small drops to dot top of pie.
 

Sprinkle with chopped chocolate chips.
 

Refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving.
 

Words of wisdom: Today's pie for tomorrow's breakfast is a beautiful thing...err, handsome! :-)

Enjoy!