In The Mood For "Baked Oatmeal"

I was surprised by the beautiful snow that had fallen overnight. Every branch and twig was covered with a blanket of snow, and it is still snowing. When it snows, I love to make one of our favorite breakfast foods, "baked oatmeal". The tattered and stained recipe book, where I found this recipe(and many others that I use) is the "Weavertown School Family Cooking" book. I have adjusted this recipe to my tastes, and have made it many times over the years. Each of my daughters have taken with them to their homes and continue baking it. Funny thing...the leftovers disappear so quickly in this house. So for us as a family, this is our very favorite" baked oatmeal "recipe;In the microwave, melt 1 stick of butter in a large bowl. Add 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 3 cups oatmeal(not instant), 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, and 1 cup milk. Stir until blended. Put in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan or baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes(or until slightly firm to touch and a golden brown). I always serve it warm, with a pitcher of milk, and small bowls of chopped walnuts, craisins, or raisins, or chopped apples(whatever I have on hand at the time). An idea for a hostess gift, is to buy a new baking dish, whip up this recipe, bake it and give it. Warming it the next morning, is all that needs to be done. Instant homemade breakfast...a great gift!

This is another gift idea. Mix together all of the dry ingredients of this recipe, and put in a clear cellophane bag. Write or type out the recipe, roll up and tie with a bow. Add a small bag of raisins and a small bag of chopped walnuts, a small glass pitcher(for the milk), two packs of coffee, and a small coffee gift book with interesting stories. Breakfast in a baking dish, add a Christmas(or whatever type)greeting. At this point, I cover with clear cellophane and tie a bow around it. A pretty, practical and delicious gift for whatever occasion.