Apple, Craisin, and Oatmeal Bake

It's fall and that means time for baking one dish meals.  I do not usually get excited about oatmeal, but thought this dish a friend made for me was delicious!  Not only does it have so many textures, and tastes, but makes the home smell wonderful.  I made a small adjustment to my liking, adding apples and pumpkin spice. I've made it twice within the past week! A great dish for a new mom who has little time in the morning for herself.  It's hearty, healthy, and tastes like home.

 What you need:

* 2 1/4 C quick cooking oatmeal

* 2/3 C brown sugar firmly packed

* 1/2 C raisins 1/2 C dried cranberries ( although I bet fresh would taste delicious too!)

*1/2 C chopped walnuts

* 1 teaspoon cinnamon

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 3 1/3 C milk

* 4 egg whites lightly beaten

* 1 teaspoon olive oil

* 1 teaspoon vanilla

* 1-2 red apples sliced and chopped leaving skin on

* dash of pumpkin spice if you have it on hand

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine in bowl: oats, sugar, raisins, cranberries, chopped apples, walnuts, salt, pumpkin spice ( if using), and cinnamon. Mix well. In separate bowl combine: milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla.  Add wet ingredients to dry and blend well. Pour into a 9 inch baking dish sprayed with Pam. Consistency will be quite runny looking.

Bake at 350 uncovered for 55-60 minutes or until center is set to the touch.

Serve with maple syrup...and milk if needed. Serve warm.