Baked Oatmeal

I (Joni) dont really care for oatmeal but baked oatmeal, oh my it is so delicious.  Tastes nothing like original oatmeal.  This is great to throw together the night before if your going to have company the next morning or if your just feeling like something more than a bowl of cereal.  Also my husband was looking for something sweet to eat the other night and shockingly we didnt have anything around.  So he heated up a slice of baked oatmeal, put a scoop of icecream on top with some chocolate sauce and just like that he had dessert.  I personally thought that wont be too good but after having a taste I was hooked.  So good.  So eat this for breakfast, or dessert.  YUM!!!

Baked Oatmeal

1/2 Cup butter, softened
1/2 Cup applesauce
2 Cups milk
4 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
5 Cups uncooked quick oats
3/4 Cup packed brown sugar
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 Cup peeled, diced apple (optional)
1/2 Cup raisins (optional)
1/2 Cup chopped nuts (optional)
I did not add the last three optional ingredients to mine.

Combine wet ingredients in one bowl and dry ingredients in another bowl.  Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients.  Pour into greased 9x13 pan.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Remove cover and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.  Serve with syrup, jam, or fresh fruit.

Recipe Source: Jami