Pumpkin baked Oatmeal

 

Our pumpkin harvest this year has already been plentiful. Stay tuned for a few more fun ways to use pumpkin! 
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This fall has already been a season of changes for our family. I was finally able to get my hip replaceent surgery done. That has eleviated so much pain and opened up much more movement in my life. Two of our boys have gone off to college, and we just have one high schooler left. Typically, it is my responsibility to get up, feed the boys and get them on their way. I enjoy the early mornings. I savor the quiet after they all leave, and it provides a natural daily rhythm for my morning prayer and coffee. This fall though, I am still recovering from surgery. My energy comes in spurts, but more often than not, morning is not my prime time. Because my husband is gracious he has been managing the morning with our one boy that is left. In attempts to make both their lives easier at 6am, I started making baked oatmeal. This recipe is packed with fall flavors, is versatile to accomodate any fruit or nuts you have on hand and makes enough for a few days. It uses pumpkin puree. I have tried it with both puree from a can and fresh puree. It turned out great both times. This baked oatmeal recipe keeps well in the refrigerator and reheats easily. (if you are managing early mornings too, this is helpful) We usually enjoy this warm and some of our family likes yogurt and cinnamon on top.

*This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of maple syrup. I have also had success using 5-7 soaked and pureed dates

You local pumpkin farmers and almost empty-nesters

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients:

2 cups oats

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup almond milk (or whatever milk you like)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup chopped pecans ( or walnuts, or whatever)

1 cup dried cranberries (I have also used 2 fresh apples diced)

1 tbsp of butter or coconut oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

2. Prepare a 4 quart baking dish by rubbing it with butter or coconut oil.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk and maple syrup. 

4. Stir in the remaining ingredients and mix until combined. Pour the mixture into your prepared bking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy!