Baked Strawberry Banana Oatmeal

Perfect for early mornings on chilly winter days ...

2 C. rolled oats
1/3 C. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1 tsp. Chinese five spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. walnuts, chopped
1 C. sliced fresh strawberries
1/3 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 C. milk
1 egg
3 T. butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla
1 ripe banana, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices


Grease 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.

Combine oats, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, Chinese five spice, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries and half the chocolate. (Save the other half of strawberries, walnuts and chocolate for the top of the oatmeal).

In separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.
Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and chocolate on top. Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. Gently shimmy/shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.

Bake @ 375* 35 - 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar on top then place back in the oven under the broiler and broil for 20-30 seconds. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of sugar or drizzle of maple syrup.

{LDM}