Well I’m back. Not that I was greatly missed… Thank you Andrea for picking up the slack while we moved to Oregon, got situated, lost yet another SD card then grudgingly bought another one, got internet back up and running… All the dreary details that come with a big move! So far Oregon has been top notch in my book, but check back with me in a few months when the rain has been incessant for weeks on end. I don’t fear much (besides mannequins and messy eye brows) but forces that would prevent my girls and I from enjoying what the outside has to offer DOES scare me. We usually hit up two parks a day, am and pm runs… So if any of you are from Oregon or an equally rainy climate, please please offer me your life saving techniques for the wet months!
I’ll share with you today my new best friend that was introduced to me the first day here: baked oatmeal squares. You don’t favor oatmeal?! Keep reading because this is nothing like the traditional bowl (I’m talking to you Jessie.) Here’s the pitch: you put in only FIVE minutes of prep time to eat breakfast for a week, it literally doesn’t get better-pure-healthier than this, ideal metabolism boost first thing in the am, and it’s addictingly GOOD. Curious?
My mother in law, never without a new inspirational idea, brought several gifts along during her two week stay to help us with the move: presents for the kids, some Cath Kidston beauties for my new kitchen, and this recipe. The baked oatmeal squares are slightly reminiscent of a bread pudding, and they’ve turned breakfast into my favorite meal of the day. I’ll make one pan on Monday and I have automatic brekki involving no work for the rest off the week. I hit the gym at 5:30 every morning (the only free time a mom/wife can find) and usually the second my foot hits the threshold of our door there are three eager human beings to greet me with differing urgent needs…. Taking time to make a hearty healthy satisfying delicious breakfast is NOT an option. This, my minions, is why I’m infatuated with this recipe.
It’s Sunday night, the kids are in bed, I take 5 whole minutes to put a pile of wonderful ingredients into the pan, I set the oven timer for 30 minutes, then walk away and relax on the couch while it bakes. The timer beeps, I let the pan cool on the counter, and right before going to bed it goes in the fridge awaiting my effortless morning consumption the rest of the week. Bless-ed be the skies.
Oatmeal bake is easy to dress up as well. Oregon has been kind to us these first couple weeks, and my favorite part has been the bushels and bushels of wild blackberries picked on our daily walks. I’ve been topping the bake with these fresh berries, a smidgen of maple syrup, and about 1/3 cup of coconut-almond milk to moisten it up (yep they sell the milk like that now, saves the step of mixing them together like i was doing before) Eat cold from the fridge or reheated warm, in your hand while running and multitasking or sitting calmly on your porch in the morning sun. If that’s your thing.
Before I log off today, everyone should know that Andrea is leaving TODAY for her big move to France. If you would, please say a little prayer for her that it’ll all go smoothly and safely. Moving countries with a small child and a pregnant belly is no small feat. Love you Andreea, Shem, Tama, and baby boy! Miss you already too 
- 2 cups oats (best NOT to use instant, old fashioned gives better body)
- 2 granny-smith apples, grated
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups milk of choice (I used the coconut/almond combo)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- Additions:
- craisins
- dried apricots, diced
- coconut flakes
- chia seeds
- flax seeds
- sliced almonds
- cocoa powder
- instant coffee powder
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease an 8×8 pan — I use coconut oil, smear it around the bottom and edges, it lends to the flavor and keeps it healthy.
- In a bowl, grate the two apples down to the core. Then in the same bowl add the the oats, vanilla, spices, and all the additions you choose. Hold off on the milk for another step…
- Mix together and pour into the 8×8 pan. Level out evenly.
- Pour in the milk last once it’s ready in the pan. Watch the level of liquid, add more if needed to bring the liquid just even to the top of the oats mixture.
- Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Done is done! Enjoy hot and cold, day after day.
Just found your blog via Pinterest. I live in Oregon (Salem). This recipe sounds delicious – I’ll be making it tomorrow!
I love your blog posts and look forward to following
Laura~ Thank you very very much! It’s fun to know another Salem dweller is with us here now:) I hope we can keep finding interesting & useful recipes for you… let us know if there is ever anything you’re interesting in or looking for. Take care, Ciao!!
Omg I’m making this tonight!! It will save my mornings where we are so busy getting kids to school but I still want them to eat something more nutritious and filling than cereal. Great recipe and idea!
Jessie, My girls love this! And they don’t like typical oatmeal… i drizzle a little bit of maple syrup and coconut milk on the morning of, I just serve it cold to them and they totally dig it! And like you said, I know they’re getting a great whole grain, seeds of all types, nuts, good fats to keep them full especially for Teya as she heads off to school… it’s the bomb digiddy!
Wow, this looks scrumptious and EASY! (My two favorite adjectives for food.) Thanks for sharing and I will be making this tonight. I’m quite jealous that you get all the wild blackberries you want… at least I have Costco.
Oh how I miss Costco… but I do get to shop at “Smiths” (Fred Meyers here) that’s practically identical to the one next to your house… massive and spacious! Random fact: Fred Meyers was started in Salem. Who knew? loves xoxox
I love this idea! I usually have oatmeal for breakfast (prepared at home in a to-go bowl, hot water added at work), but this would be a great change up!
Hi Barb! Thanks, I think you’ll like a versatility and the change up… I’m the same way, oatmeal is just too healthy and filling to not have in the morning but after endless days of the traditional method, this was a welcome gift
Hi Tawny,
I grew up and live in Oregon. My best advice for the rainy winter months is to: work out indoors or bundle up with waterproof rain gear, cook lots of comforting soups, read really good books, watch TV shows on DVD or Netflix & take a vacation somewhere warm mid February
Kilee, Thank you honestly for the advise! I checked out your site and really like your view on nutrition and keeping a healthy life, I’d say I align myself with the same views and values you hold. It’s always great to meet another
Glad to hear you arrived safely in Oregon! Good luck with the rain! I just love the rain but I too get frustrated with it when it’s non-stop!
I love the look of those bars and how easy it would be to create all kinds of flavours!
Thank you Gabby! I like the rain for a few days too, it’s refreshing… but only for a few days!