Baked Oatmeal

This is my first time participating in the 'What's Cooking Recipe Swap hosted by Sarah at A Taste of Home Cooking. I have been following her blog for a few years now and kept meaning to participate but somehow time got away from me. I finally signed up and I am really glad I did. Turns out I work well under a time constraint. I selected my recipe and made it within two days of the assignment [you are given two weeks].

I was assigned Jenna's Cooking Journal where I selected the first item under her breakfast category, Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Mixed Fruit. I had never tried baked oatmeal before but I have been loving Panera's Steel Cut Oatmeal and thought this sounded similar.

I stayed true to the original recipe [not using Jenna's modifications] and I have to say this was a hit in our house. Even L ate it and we know that is saying something.

Baked Oatmeal
Source: The Balanced Baker 
Serves: 12

2 apples, cored and rough chopped
1 c fresh cranberries
1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
3 c quick cooking oats
4 c milk
1 egg
1/2 c pure maple syrup
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish (roughly 9x13). Bake at 350 for 45 min. Dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking in the morning.