Oatmeal Casserole

In attempts to keep the boys from asking for second and third helpings of cereal, I made this yummy oatmeal casserole.  In speaking to many moms, I understand that even when it's a hearty eggs and bacon breakfast, they still seem to be starving a half hour later.  However, I was looking for something more enjoyable for myself as well....and it worked. It was delicious! 

Funny thing, I followed a recipe that called for chocolate chips but used raisins instead, and the kids actually said they could taste chocolate.  Bonus...no chocolate but tastes like chocolate (I think it was the buttery baked pecans). 

the recipe: 
2 cups of rolled oats 

1/3 cup brown sugar (I substituted with Organic Coconut Palm Sugar)

1 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp salt 

1 cup pecans or walnuts

1 cup berries (your choice)

1/2 cup raisins

2 cups milk

1 large egg

3 Tlbs butter (melted)

1 tsp vanilla

1 banana, peeled and sliced 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 2 qt baking dish. 

In a large bowl mix together oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, half of the nuts, half of the berries and half of the raisins. 

In another bowl mix milk, egg, butter and vanilla.  

Add oat mixture to baking dish.  Place the remaining nuts, berries and raisins on top of the mixture.  Place the banana slices on the mixture. 

Pour the milk mixture over top of the oat mixture and shake the dish so that the oats are all moistened. 

Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the milk mixture has set.  

Enjoy!