Make mom’s morning with homemade baked oatmeal for breakfast

SPONSORED: Every year, throughout the morning of the second Sunday in May, restaurant seats fill up with families out for a special meal for mom. The day is the busiest of the year for the restaurant industry, and if you don't have a reservation for a table already, it may be a long wait in line before breakfast is served. Why not skip the line altogether and make mom something from the heart in your own kitchen?

This year, kick off the day with a meal made special for mom as a token of appreciation for all that she's done for you. This comforting, hearty breakfast is quick and easy to make, and as it is made with pantry staples, it won't bust your budget. The crunchy, nutty, fragrant crust breaks way to a porridge-like layer underneath,as the milk, eggs and butter mix with the grains. A pop of mom's favorite fruit brings the breakfast to a new level, brightening each bite. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, or even a small pour of un-whipped heavy cream, some fresh fruit on top and a mug of her favorite coffee to start off her Mother's Day celebration. Don't forget to clean up the kitchen afterwards!

Baked Oatmeal with Fruit

Start to finish: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly ground, if possible)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup desired fruit, fresh or frozen (berries, apples, peaches or bananas are recommended)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a standard 8x4x2.5 loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar, butter and eggs. Add oatmeal, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, milk and fruit – if the fruit is frozen or very juicy, only use ¾ cup milk. Stir to fully combine.
3. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake until set, about 30 minutes.
4. Let cool slightly before serving.

The Children's Clinic has been a trusted healthcare provider for infants to young adults since 1970. As a pediatric clinic we provide care that is tailor-made for children by Board Certified Pediatricians who have a high level of expertise in child health. Pediatrics is a specialty of primary care medicine for a reason; children are different and need the care that only specialists in child health can provide.

This article was produced by the creative services department of the Anchorage Daily News in collaboration with The Children's Clinic. The ADN newsroom was not involved in its production.