Easy Breezy Breakfast

When E and I first started, I didn't eat breakfast. I'm somewhat ashamed to admit it now, but breakfast and I didn't really jive outside of Sunday brunches, usually at IHOP. Never hungry right after waking up, I didn't see the need. 3 months later, I'm a convert, and I've eaten breakfast every single day. One of E's favourite breakfasts is oatmeal, but I could never get past the textural consistency - it was always too gloppy or too runny, and reminded me a fair amount of wallpaper paste. I really wanted to like oatmeal, since it's such an inexpensive, filling breakfast. It's healthy, too - over 40 studies worldwide have shown that eating oatmeal can both lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, and doctors are now noticing that it may reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, certain cancers and lower your blood pressure, as well. Oatmeal can also help control weight due to its fiber content, and it's a 100% natural food that can be found in 80% of American homes. Oats themselves are also a nutrition-rich food, and is a good source of protein, vitamin E, iron, zinc, selenium, and more. What more could you ask for to help start your day?

In walks in baked oatmeal. The lovechild of an oatmeal cookie and a bread, this is a really delicious alternative to that boring bowl of oats. Not only can it be prepped beforehand in no time, but it can be eaten hot or cold, on its own or in a bowl with some milk and brown sugar (should you desire).

For a change of pace, add in mashed banana, apple, berries, raisins, nuts or chocolate chips - the possibilities are endless! This is seriously good (and good for you!), as E and some of my fellow contestants can attest to. This does make 8 fairly large servings, so feel free to cut it into 16 pieces.


Baked Oatmeal
makes 8 servings
Note: if using sugar-free applesauce instead of apple butter, up the Splenda to 1 1/2 cups. This can also be prepped beforehand and refrigerated overnight, then baked.

• 1 cup sugar-free apple butter
• 1 cup Splenda
• 4 eggs
• 6 cups quick-cook oats
• 4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt substitute
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 cups nonfat milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients in order listed.
3. Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan, and bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned. Cool, cut into pieces, and enjoy!
   

Nutritional Information for per serving:
298.9 calories
7.2 g fat
307.2 mg sodium
336.8 mg potassium
51.2 g carbohydrates
6.8 g fiber
1.5 g sugar
12.8 g protein
22.8% calcium
19.4% iron
8% vitamin B-12