Baked Oatmeal for early morning satisfaction and blog survival

Now that we are both working full-time, our little blog has taken a back seat. I find myself making a new recipe tonight though, and so I decided to post about it. Baked Oatmeal could be a great find for those occasions when we have morning visitors and want to make something ahead of time that's easy, fairly nutritious and tasty.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Serves 4-6

Ingredients
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced

Optional Toppings:

Brown Sugar
Raisins
Dried Cranberries
Chopped almonds

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8 by 8 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, butter, egg whites, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until combined. Gently stir in diced apples. Pour oatmeal mixture into prepared pan.

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until oatmeal is golden brown and set. Remove from oven and serve warm. Add additional toppings to baked oatmeal, if desired.