The Guest Room

This baked oatmeal is another recipe from my mom’s cookbook – Have I ever told you that, for my wedding, she gave me a hand written cookbook of all my favorite recipes I grew up with? One of the most sentimental wedding gifts EVER! – what can I say? She’s a good cook 😉

I’m the worst at eating breakfast. The clock usually strikes noon before I realize I should probably eat something. I know they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I’m either rushing out the door or focusing on my baby’s breakfast and whatever else he might need… Jordan says I’m great at taking care of everyone except me and I don’t think I’m alone in this. Why are we so bad at prioritizing self care? Maybe it feels selfish or maybe we “don’t have time.” I don’t know what your why is, but I’m pretty positive you’ve been here.

Life’s busy and there are a lot of things worthy of your care and your “yeses,” but here’s the thing – You. Are. Too. I’m not even proposing a flashy TREAT YO SELF or that you need to be grand or pinteresty in the name of self care.

Because self care is just right now’s buzz word for (this is profound) taking care of yourself!

It’s going to the gym even though you could be studying, or working, or a million other things because it’s good for you and you’ll feel great. It’s being ok with doing the laundry later so that you can take 20 minutes to shower during nap time. It’s feeding our bodies well because they’re worthy of intention and nutrition. Self care is in the little things and one easy way to get better at it is to start eating breakfast and start your day caring for yourself as much as you care for others. 

If “I don’t have time” is your why, here’s a great solution – Baked oatmeal! Bake it at the beginning of the week and prepare squares that you can eat quickly in the mornings. I’ve seen it made in muffin tins which is another great idea for portioning out each day’s serving. It’s so easy there will be no excuse!

Here’s the recipe:

What you’ll need:

3 cups of oatmeal

1/2/ cup of brown sugar

1/2 tsp of cinnamon

2 tsps of baking powder

1 tsp of vanilla

3 eggs

1 cup of milk (a non-dairy milk option tastes just as good!)

1 cup of applesauce

Bonus recipe: I tried my hand at homemade applesauce this week and used it for this batch of baked oatmeal. I was SHOCKED at how easy and delish it was!! Here’s how I did it – Threw some peeled and chunked apples into a crock pot with 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 spoon of cinnamon, and a splash of apple cider. Stir periodically and mash/whisk to desired consistency… Ta Da!!!

1 cup of blueberries (optional! I’ve also tried this recipe with chocolate chips and it was delicious!)

How to make it:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine dry and wet ingredients separately, then mix and pour into a 9X9 pan.

(If doubling the recipe, use a 9X13 pan and cook about 10 minutes longer!)

Bake for 20 + minutes or until the middle is no longer liquid in consistency.

That’s it!

This dish is always a good addition to a brunch or big, holiday breakfast, but I personally love to bake it on an ordinary day and enjoy it all week long. It’s a perfect recipe for fall and I can’t wait to raise my own kids on the stuff! Try this breakfast hack for yourself and start your morning off with intention. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit! (1 Corinthians 6:19)