Baked Berry Oatmeal!

This past week, in this part of the province at least, mornings have been cold, dark and wet. It’s been a struggle to head out the door to start the day when the weather is awful and you’re frozen!  Children heading off to school in the morning are no different.  When the weather is awful it’s always nice to start your day with something warm and inviting.  I know many of our KES Clubs do not have the means to bake and cook warm dishes, but even toast can be a nice treat sometimes on cold mornings.  However, if you do have the resources at your KES Club, try treating the children to a nice warm breakfast on occasion.  Below is a recipe that will be great for your KES Club or even at home!

Ingredients

Dry Mixture:

• 2 cups quick-cook oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar (optional as you will use honey to help sweeten the mixture as well)

 Wet Mixture:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps honey (or to taste)
• 1½ tbsp melted butter/margarine
• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• Additional toppings of choice (ie. raisins, sliced banana, etc)

 Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar (optional). Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, honey, and butter/margarine. Layer half the berries in a 2 quart baking dish and top evenly with the dry oat mixture. Pour on the wet mixture and then add the rest of the berries on top along with additional toppings. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the oats have absorbed the liquid. Serve and enjoy!!

**Note: If there are egg allergies in your KES Club you do not necessarily have to use the eggs.

Recipe adapted from: http://apple-of-my-eye.com/2014/05/02/baked-honey-berry-oatmeal/#

Janel Genge is a Registered Dietitian with Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador