Award winning Michigan Baked Oatmeal

Thank you Jodi for bringing this oatmeal recipe to my attention. I can't help but think that our awesome KORNER KOTTAGE KRUNCH HOME MADE GOURMET GRANOLA would be an awesome addition as a topping to this recipe. Trying to get myself to like to eat OATMEAL...


Michigan Baked Oatmeal
Diane Nemitz of Ludington won first place in the breakfast category with this company-ready dessert with a delicious bread-pudding consistency at Friske Orchards' 6th annual cherry recipe contest.
Associated Recipes: Brunch at the Cottage, Comfort Food, Fresh Fruit Desserts, Ski Weekend Breakfasts
Category: Breakfast and Brunch, Sauces
By: Diane Nemitz of Ludington, Mich.

Diane Nemitz of Ludington won first place in the breakfast category with this company-ready breakfast with a delicious bread-pudding consistency at Friske Orchards' 6th annual cherry recipe contest.



Ingredients
For baked oatmeal:



•1 cup old fashioned oats
•1/4 teaspoon almond extract
•2 cups milk
•1/4 cup sliced almonds
•1/4 cup dried cherries
•1/4 cup chunky applesauce
•1 tablespoon brown sugar
For cherry sauce:



•1 quart frozen tart red cherries
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 teaspoon grated orange rind
•1/8 teaspoon almond extract
•1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water


Preparation
For oatmeal:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Mix all ingredients together into a greased oven proof 1 1/2 quart dish. Sprinkle additional almonds on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with cherry sauce and additional milk or cream if desired.

For cherry sauce:

Place cherries in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until juices are released. Add remaining ingredients and cook, stirring frequently, over low heat until sauce had thickened. Serve warm.

Serves 2 generously, 4 as part of a bigger breakfast. May be easily doubled. Increase baking time to 45 minutes and keep an eye on it.