Baked Oatmeal

I was looking through this cookbook that I got from the library and found a recipe for Baked Oatmeal.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I figured the worst that would happen would be that it turned out to taste just like oatmeal - warm and mushy.  So, I decided to give it a shot.  

With the help of my 7-year old, we made this recipe this morning before school.  It was really quick and simple.  I dished it out and we all agreed that it needed something more.  Because we did this before school, we didn't have a lot of time to experiment.  We threw a little butter on it and sprinkled cinnamon and sugar over the top.  That was a sufficient quick fix but, it still needs something more.  I don't want to give up on the recipe because it has potential to be a good one to add to our breakfast list.  

This is what I'd like to do: I'd like to give you the recipe and you either read through it or bake it yourself.  Then get back to me with what you think would be a good topping or adjustments to the recipe to make it better.  I'm usually pretty good at altering recipes to make it more to my liking, but my mind is drawing a blank.  

Here is the recipe. Let me know what you think.  (Eventually, when I get a camera that takes decent pictures, I'll add pictures to the recipes I share.)

Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients: 

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/3 cup brown sugar 

2 eggs (or 4 egg whites)

3 cups uncooked rolled oats

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup skim milk

Directions: 

1. In a good-sized bowl, stir together oil, applesauce, sugar and eggs.

2. Add dry ingredients and milk to mixture.  Mix well.  

3. Spray 9x13 baking pan generously 

4. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes.  

What do you think?  Are you up for the challenge?  

Thanks for stopping by,

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chili

Today we are having cool, Fall-like weather.  My favorite!!  In the spirit of cool weather, I am making chili and cornbread for dinner.  I came up with this recipe last winter during a brief moment of creativity.  I want to share it with you.

Heather's Chili

Ingredients: 

1 lb ground turkey (you can use beef or chicken)
1 small onion, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can of black beans, undrained
1 (14.5 oz) can of great northern beans, undrained
1 (14.5 oz) can of kidney beans, undrained
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (16 oz) can of tomato sauce
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/4 tsp cumin


Directions: 
1. Cook turkey and onion in a skillet until no longer pink.
2. Add ALL ingredients to the skillet
3. Mix
4. Cover and simmer for an hour or so, or until desired thickness 
5. Serve with cornbread and EAT! 


For the cornbread, I follow the directions on the back of the Corn Meal container (substituting healthier ingredients).  

You can either simmer this on the stove or you can transfer all the ingredients to a crock pot and cook on low all day.  I've done both.  All I know is that the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.  

What are some of your favorite cold weather recipes?  Please share.  I lack creativity in the kitchen!!  

Thanks for stopping by,

Fondue Night

Last year I was reading a book about the lives of these three sisters.  Whenever any of the sisters were having a hard time with life they would call a scrapbook night.  No matter what the other sisters were doing, they would drop it to go to the scrapbook night (usually planned a day or two in advance).  During the scrapbook night they would contemplate life, talk about what they were going through and give each other advice.  

I was sharing this idea with a friend who does not like to scrapbook. We loved the idea of being able to call a night when we were in need of some girlfriend time but, we didn't want it to be scrapbooking. So, we decided to do a fondue night.  

A couple of days ago, I received an email from one of my friends. She wrote, "I'm calling a fondue night!"  So, that is what I'm doing tonight. It's always so much fun.  It's probably more fun for those who didn't call the fondue night since they aren't the ones in need of help. But, we always end up being real and laughing a lot.    

In the spirit of fondue night, I want to share a chocolate fondue recipe with you that I got from cooks.com (warning: this is not a healthy recipe but it sure is yummy!):

2/3 c. Karo light or dark corn syrup
1/2 c. heavy cream
8 sq. (1 oz. each) semi-sweet chocolate
Assorted fresh fruit

Directions: In a medium saucepan combine corn syrup and cream. Bring to boil over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add chocolate. Stir until completely melted. Serve warm as a dip for fruit. 
Yields: 1 1/2 cups.

We dip: strawberries, pineapple, bananas, pound cake, pretzels, and potato chips.  You can dip pretty much anything.  Some of the girls have dipped their fingers, but we're not going to talk about that.  

Another recipe that I found but have not tried yet is: 

4 blocks (4 oz.) unsweetened baking chocolate
1 c. light cream
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions: Combine chocolate and cream in medium saucepan or double boiler. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Add sugar and peanut butter; continue cooking until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into fondue pot or chafing dish; serve warm with Fondue Dippers. Yields: 2 cups.

Do you have a special "code" that you call with your girlfriends when you need a break? It could be Margarita Night! or Spa Day! or Starbucks! 

Thanks for stopping by,