The perfect breakfast

CINCINNATI - Baked Oatmeal -- 2 ways

Back to school means stressing over what to make for breakfast. You want it to be nutritious, delicious and wouldn't it be great if it was warm?

I have the perfect thing: baked oatmeal. Before you turn up your nose at it because of the word "oatmeal," give me and it a chance. First, my kids absolutely love it and I don't think of them as oatmeal eaters. They like it so much, in fact, that they not only have it for breakfast, but for a snack, too. Plus, oatmeal is good for you. Studies show a link between eating oatmeal and reducing cholesterol.

In the morning, they heat it, pour cold milk on top and toss on a handful of berries or bananas or whatever yummy fruit is in season. Peaches? Absolutely. That would be delicious.

My friend Lee Ann Miller from the Miller Haus Bed and Breakfast introduced us to this at her wonderful B&B in Ohio's Amish Country . They serve it there and I'll be honest by telling you that when I heard that's what we were having for breakfast on our visit, I was disappointed. Until I ate it.

Now I make two pans and bring one cut into slices to work . Folks gobble it up cold as an oatmeal bar of sorts.

So here it is (in video form, too if you click on the video button). Baked oatmeal. Give it a try.

BAKED OATMEAL

3 C Quick Oats
1 C sugar
1 1/2 c milk
1/4 C melted butter
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients until incorporated. Pour mixture into greased 13x9 pan. Bake fro 30 minutes.

Serve warm with milk poured over it and fresh fruit. Or room temperature cut into bars.

Enjoy!

And send me your ideas to try on "Living It"