Date and Walnut Baked Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of my favourite breakfasts but when I need a change from my usual steel cut oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins or berries I make a baked oatmeal and switch up the add-ins. This recipe uses dates and walnuts, but you can use any fresh or dried fruits you like. Fresh cut apples, peaches or berries work with almonds or walnuts. Or you can swap the dates for other dried fruit such as apricots, cranberries or raisins. If you like things a bit more sweet even a combination of mini chocolate chips and bananas work. My usual ratio is 2 cups of oats: 2 cups liquid and then I use 1 cup of add-ins. I always add a bit of sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar all work) and some cinnamon too.

Oats are a great source of fibre which is important for our gut health and helps keep us feeling full. Adding some nuts provides some healthy fats which help with flavor and satiety so you aren’t hungry an hour after eating. Using walnuts provides some omega-3 essentials fats as do flax seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.

Ingredients:

2 cups large flake oats ½ cup chopped dates ½ cup chopped walnuts 1 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp maple syrup 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy) 2 tbsp hemp seeds, chia seeds, or ground flax (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish. 2. Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl. Stir to combine. Pour into baking dish 3. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set. Serve topped with additional milk. Enjoy!