RECIPE FORTY FIVE: Saturday December 23rd - Amish-style baked oatmeal

BACK STORY:
A gathering with the Bon women (and families!) wouldn't be complete without trying a new recipe to serve to a large group without testing out first. But this worked out great, thanks to a recommendation from Jennica.

NOTES:
While this calls for pesky baking ingredients, it actually came together quickly and deliciously. I added three apples (not two) and used HoneyCrisps (because why would you use any other kind of apple? though I think Granny Smith or another tart apple would work well here). The kids helped me "measure" so everything was an approximation of what it called for. We also baked it about 45 minutes and upped the oven at the end for a crispy finish.

STARS: 
4 out of 5. Quite delicious and easy to make - you could even mix the dry ingredients together for an easier prep for a big group. 

RECIPE:
https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/amish-style-baked-oatmeal-with-apples-raisins-walnuts.html

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, divided
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the dish
• 2 tart yet sweet baking apples, such as Honey Crisp, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks (about 2 cups)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of the nuts, raisins, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, break up the eggs with a whisk; then whisk in the milk and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add the milk mixture to the oat mixture, along with the melted butter.
5. Scatter the apples evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture over top and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup nuts on top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the oats are set. Serve warm or at room temperature.