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18 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2022 • Cooking spray or butter to lightly grease pan • 1 ½ -2 cups fruit (berries, banana, chopped apples, peaches, cranberries, raisins, etc.) • 2/3 cup roasted nuts (walnuts, pecans or slivered almonds) • 2 cups old fashioned oats (not instant) • 1/3 cup sugar (light brown or granulated) • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 cups milk, any type (oat, soy, almond, cow, etc.) • 1 egg • 3 Tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • Optional toppings: any type of syrup, butter, whipped cream, yogurt, honey, additional fruit and/or nuts 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch baking pan with the cooking spray or butter. Layer half the fruit on the bottom of the pan. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon,salt, and half the nuts; set aside. 3. In a second bowl, whisk the milk, egg, butter, and vanilla. Add the milk mixture to the oat mixture and combine thoroughly. Carefully pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top with the remaining fruit and nuts. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is almost set. 4. Cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Spoon or slice into individual servings. Top with your choice of toppings. Leftovers may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator up to a week. Oatmeal breakfast Casserole The last time I visited my niece she served a baked oatmeal casserole made from a few everyday ingredients that elevated the ordinary into something extraordinary. This is an incredibly versatile dish that can be adapted to any flavor preference. I have made it with apples, brown sugar, and walnuts; blackberries, banana, and granulated sugar; and with blueberries, ginger, and granulated sugar. Play with your own flavors. Try substituting another spice for the cinnamon, try different fruits, or add coconut. Make it your own. Serves 6-8; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 35-40 minutes; Total Time: About 50 minutes. INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

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