MAKE THIS VEGAN BAKED OATMEAL ON SUNDAY AND HAVE BREAKFAST ALL WEEK

Prior to moving to BC, my husband and I lived and traveled around Canada and the US in a large motorhome. It was a time we really enjoyed and because our motorhome was built in Amish country in Indiana, we spent a significant amount of time there when we first took possession of our “home”. Being a new vehicle there were little bugs that needed to be repaired at the factory under warranty.

As a result of “living” in Indiana, we became very familiar with certain foods that we ate frequently, one being baked oatmeal, Amish style. It took some hunting but I was able to get the recipe for the real Amish version and it was delicious. Of course, that was when we were vegetarian so the fact that it had eggs, milk, and butter in it wasn’t an issue. Now it is so I decided to recreate and modify it to suit our current healthier lifestyle. This vegan baked oatmeal is a great breakfast treat and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. I am sure it can also be frozen.

Vegan Baked Oatmeal

4 cups whole grain oatmeal (not instant)

1 cup unsweetened shredded or ribbon coconut (optional)

¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

¾ cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 T. Baking powder

¾ cup maple syrup or coconut sugar (packed)

¾ cup melted coconut oil

3 T ground flax meal

6 T warm water

1 ½ cups cashew milk or any plant-based milk of your choice

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix flax meal with warm water and set aside for 10-15 minutes

Preheat oven to 350F

Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan.

Mix baking powder with oatmeal, coconut, dried fruit and nuts in large bowl. In small bowl mix milk, maple syrup and vanilla. Once flax meal has congealed add it to the liquids

Add wet mixture and melted coconut oil to oatmeal mixture and stir until well mixed.

Pour into baking pan and bake on middle shelf for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned and it is set in the middle.

Serve warm with cashew milk. Add sliced fresh fruit of your choice or raisins if desired

Makes 8-10 servings

This can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or oven (covered in foil) as needed