Here’s the thing. Two things actually:

1. Oatmeal is really good for you

2. I hate oatmeal

On a mission to somehow learn to like it, I have discovered the answer: BAKED oatmeal. This comes out as a cross between oatmeal cookie and some kind of oatmeal crisp topping. And it’s for breakfast, people!

I started out with two different recipes from Allrecipes.com and kind of picked what I liked from each and reduced the sugar a bit (still tastes plenty sweet); here’s my final result:

Beat into submission:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs

Add and mix:

• 1 cup milk – I use whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup Craisins, raisins or other dried fruit

Pour all this into a pie plate, baking dish or muffin tin — but whatever you use, grease it. This stuff is like glue on a pan otherwise (I heard).

Now mix together and sprinkle on top:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I baked this at 350 for about half an hour, then served warm with choices of butter, maple syrup, milk and extra cinnamon. This was SO good and so healthy! Score!