Baked Oatmeal: a porridge for all people

Two words.  Baked Oatmeal.  Perhaps they aren't the most thrilling combination of words, but believe me, the results are incredible.  Obviously, this dish is perfect for the blustery, winter weather of late but it's also a very kind recipe.  It's forgiving to heavy handed cooks who believe that a teaspoon and a half of cinnamon is not enough spice. And those who prefer apples to berries.  Or those who go just a little crazy with maple syrup.
Baked oatmeal like your favorite sweater you can dress up for dinners out on cold, winter nights but is also your snugly companion on lazy Saturdays.  It's the perfect brunch offering yet goes surprisingly well with vanilla ice
cream after that ridiculously long day when you just wanted to cry at your desk.  Or, you know, under your desk.  Oh, and it will fill your home with the most intoxicating scent of fruit, spice and warmth. As if that weren't enough, it's actually healthy!  Though probably not if you eat the whole pan but you get my drift. This recipe is heavily inspired by Heidi Swanson's recipe featured in Super Natural Every Day.  Some may think it's a stretch to say that this seemingly humble baked oatmeal is all things to all people, but I don't think so. 

BEHOLD! 

Look closely and you can see the pools of maple syrup nirvana

Baked Oatmeal

Serves 6

2 cups rolled oats

1 -1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (feel free to play around this this.  I added cinnamon and some allspice) 

dash of fine grain sea salt

2 cups milk

1/3 maple syrup or dark brown sugar

1 large egg

3 tablespoons, unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 bananas, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cup apples, peeled and finely chopped.  Or 1 1/2 cup mixed berries (can use frozen berries. 

1. Preheat over to 375 degrees.  Grease a square 8 inch baking dish. 

2. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients:  oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder,brown sugar( if using), cinnamon and salt. 

3. In another medium bowl, whisk together the liquid ingredients: the maple syrup (if using), milk, egg, half of the butter and vanilla. 

4. Spread a single layer of bananas in the bottom of the buttered baking dish.  Sprinkle about two thirds of the apples or berries on top.  Cover with the oat mixture and then drizzle with milk mixture over oats.  Scatter the remaining walnuts and apples or berries on top.  

5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until top is golden and the oats are set.  Let cool for about 5 minutes.  Drizzle with remaining butter and serve with additional maple syrup, to taste.