Looking for a hot & steamy breakfast? I’m not talking about a romantic breakfast for two … but instead a bowl of sweetness that fills your belly full and gives you the same comfort of a warm fuzzy blanket on a cold morning.
Perfect for filling up before skiing or any other outdoor fall and winter activities where you have a houseful of cold and hungry folks to feed.
This oatmeal with a twist comes to us via Lois with the Horse & Chase Inn, located in Venice, FL. Normally you wouldn’t associate Venice, FL with skiing or winter activities, but the weekend we were there, Florida was experiencing some chilly 36 degree weather and rain. We bundled up, adorned ourselves with rain gear and still went to the beach to hunt for sharks teeth. Venice is known for being the Shark’s tooth capital of the world and we were not going to let a little weather spoil our fun. That afternoon, Lois warmed us up with conversation and her southern hospitality and while I didn’t get a chance to try her version of the recipe, she gave me all the instructions to make it at home.
I know you might be thinking — oatmeal = boring.
This one is anything BUT boring. Lois calls it “Michigan Oatmeal” because of the cherries. And they definitely are a nice change from the standard raisins and cinnamon that are usually mixed into oatmeal. They’re bigger and slightly tart.
The ingredients are simple and the recipe is quick. Here’s what you’ll need …
4 Cups Milk (I used Almond Milk)
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Flavoring
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 Cup Dried Cherries
1 Large Apple, Grated
Start by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees and then wash and grate your apple. You could also substitute the apple with 1 cup of cinnamon apple sauce. However, the grated apple adds a little more texture.
All the steps following are uber easy. Simply layer all the ingredients in a greased glass casserole dish.
The oatmeal …
The milk …
(Side note here, I used almond milk because I prefer it to regular milk.
Also, I would stir the almond extract into the milk to provide more even flavoring.)
The cherries …
(The tartness of the cherries really balances out the sweet brown sugar)
The grated apple …
The almonds …
The brown sugar …
(Do I hear the Rolling Stones in the background here?)
Next, CAREFULLY add the casserole to the oven.It will be a little liquidy until the oatmeal soaks up the milk.Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Let cool for about 10 minutes, scoop and serve!
If you’re like me, you sometimes like to have “breakfast” during other parts of the day other than just the morning. So it’s good to note that this Michigan Oatmeal Bake also makes a terrific dessert. We had some left over that I refrigerated and re-heated the next day for an afternoon treat. Since the oatmeal had overnight to soak up all the almond milk, extract and moisture from the cherries, the consistency more of a bread pudding. Delish.
Cherry Almond Oatmeal Bake
4 Cups Milk (I used Almond Milk)
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 Cup Dried Cherries
1 Large Apple, Grated
1) Start by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees and then wash and grate your apple. You could also substitute the apple with 1 cup of cinnamon apple sauce. However, the grated apple adds a little more texture.
2) Mix the almond extract with your milk. Then sprinkle the oatmeal in a greased glass casserole dish and pour the milk on top. Next, layer the remaining ingredients on top of the oatmeal.
3) Next, CAREFULLY add the casserole to the oven.It will be a little liquidy until the oatmeal soaks up the milk.Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
4) Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes, scoop and serve!
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That just sounds delicious. I never thought pairing cherries with oatmeal. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
I am sure my hubby will thank you as well.
This looks interesting.
Rachelle! Thanks so much for this recipe! I have had a bowl and it is delicious. Eating oatmeal has not always been my favorite but I can do it this way, OFTEN! I will be posting my delight in finding this recipe on my website. I actually did not have almond milk. My sister brought me a nut drink from Spain, called Chufa Milk. I used that and the stewed apples I had made earlier this morning. It was SO tasty,e specially since I have not eaten since yesterday due to a sore throat. Thanks again!
Thanks Noelle! Glad you enjoyed it! It’ makes a great afternoon snack too. :o)
I would never think to bake porridge (we don’t call it oatmeal here!), but that’s a really good idea. Perfect when you have a lot of people to feed for breakfast.
This is the second time I’ve said this today… But I am going to make this! Lovely recipe.
yummy oatmeal recipe! looks hearty and satisfying which is a great way to start off the day.
Looks so comforting! LOVE anything with oatmeal!
It’s definitely comforting. Like a blanket in a bowl. Any left overs you have will thicken up like bread pudding … so it’s great for dessert too!
This will be good tomorrow morning. It is snowing and will be chilly and wet out. This warm breakfast will be a welcome site, and smell, and taste……OOOHHHHH! Now I’m hungry!
@Maranda … the original name for this recipe is Michigan Oatmeal Bake … how appropriate! Perfect for a cold snowy morning. Enjoy. :o)
I really enjoyed this and I will clearly come back soon to read more on your blog.
Wow! Thank you! I constantly wanted to write in my web site a thing like that. Can I take part of the article to my weblog?
Mmmm, looks tasty 😀
Great recipe and very interesting .thanks for sharing
Ezine
My sister should see it!
These sound amazing, definately going to give them a try!