Breakfast is the most important meal so I’ve been told, but I’ve never really been a fan of it. I enjoy breakfast foods and on Sundays I love brunch, but eating first thing in the morning just doesn’t work well for me. I was always a cup of coffee and out the door kind of lady. I’ve been informed that this isn’t the healthiest route to take and that I’m actually slowing down my metabolism by doing this. That’s a huge bummer because a slow metabolism doesn’t help one be their healthiest.
I've been looking all over for breakfast recipes and oatmeal is a really healthy option for breakfast. I made traditional oatmeal with milk last week and it was just a goopy mess. Not delicious. I was sure it was time to go back to my tried and true packet oatmeal. Then I found Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal on Two Peas and Their Pod’s blog.
First things, this is pretty easy. Second, it’s delicious. Third, it’s GLUTEN FREE! Why didn’t I say Gluten Free Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal? Because I tend to overlook gluten free recipes as I don’t have a gluten allergy, but this recipe is worth sharing. It has egg whites and skim milk so it packs protein plus fiber from the oatmeal. My husband, who is honest about his dislike for oatmeal, ate his whole bowl. This stuff is breakfast magic.
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
2 cups (300g) old fashioned/rolled oats
¼ cup (70g) light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups (375ml) skim milk
½ cup (130g) apple sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large apple of your choice, such as granny smith, peeled, cored, and diced. I used fuji apples.
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat a loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, butter, egg whites, and vanilla. If you don’t have applesauce, which I didn’t, you can make your own by peeling, coring and dicing a second apple, adding a little water and popping it into the microwave for 2 minutes. Once it’s out of the microwave, puree it or mash then ta-da. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until combined. Gently stir in diced apples. Pour oatmeal mixture into prepared pan.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until oatmeal is golden brown and set. Remove from oven and serve warm. Add nuts or dried fruit for additional toppings if desired.
Follow Jenessa on Twitter @HippyHomemaker to read more of her cooking adventures.
Image © Jenessa Hooper for BitchBuzz