Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts and Blueberries

I made Baked Oatmeal ( from the December 2007 Gourmet magazine) this morning for breakfast. I added blueberries instead of the raisins and thought the walnuts would add a good little crunch, although I think that any fruit or nut would be just as good. I think it was an overall success and hey, if you can get your oatmeal but still have it taste almost like dessert, then it's a win-win situation! And this is your lucky day - I am actually going to post the recipe!

Baked Oatmeal:

3 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 teaspoons cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/2 whole milk or half and half

1/4 cup canola oil

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 1/2 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Lightly oil a 8 inch square baking dish.

~Stir together the oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.

~Whisk together applesauce, yogurt , milk, oil, eggs and vanilla. Stir into oat mixture, add nuts and berries, then pour into baking dish.

~Stir together brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle over oatmeal, then bake until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.

~ Serve with milk if desired.