Fresh Baked Berry Oatmeal

Back in November and December, I was on a very strict diet because my breastfeeding infant was having reactions to some of the foods I was eating. It got to the point where, per doctor's orders, I ate nothing but chicken, broccoli, and rice for two weeks straight. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do and it being the holidays certainly didn't make it any easier. To accommodate my crazy diet restrictions, my Mother-in-Law made this amazing Baked Berry Oatmeal for me to enjoy for breakfast during my stay in Ohio - and I have been completely addicted to it ever since. It's healthy, delicious, and super easy to make. Plus it warms up great so you could make a pan on a Sunday and live off of it in the mornings for a few days. And with an infant in my house who constantly wants to be held and nurse, the easier my morning breakfast routine the better!

I am happy to say that the crazy diet restriction days are behind me as my son seems to be able to tolerate a lot of the foods he couldn't before. I still avoid nuts and try and eat diary sparingly, but at least I can now indulge in some cheese now and again if my heart so desires or if it's on the menu at a party (like the delicious Brie I savoured at a wedding reception over the weekend).

The good thing about this Oatmeal bake is it can be dairy free - which is how my MIL made it for me over Christmas and how I continue to make it in my home. But for those who want the real deal, feel free to substitute the margarine and coconut milk for real butter or any milk of your choosing. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

Dry Mixture

• 2 cups instant oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

Wet Mixture

• 2 cups coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
• 2 eggs
• ½ Tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsps honey
• 1½ Tbsp melted butter or margarine
• Approx 2 cups mixed berries (I like to use Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries and Raspberries)

INSTRUCTIONS;

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar). Set aside.
3. In a seperate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, vanilla, honey, and butter).
4. Layer half the berries on the bottom of a 8x8 inch baking dish and top evenly with the dry oat mixture. Pour the wet mixture overtop the oats, then layer the rest of the berries on top of it all.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the oats have completely absorbed the liquid.
6. Devour.