what's for breakfast this morning {baked oatmeal}.

so i went on this missions trip when i was in high school. it was pretty hard core... they made us go through boot camp training in the jungles of florida. okay, so you think i'm exaggerating and that there really aren't jungles in florida, right? well, you're wrong. there are jungles. and i lived there for over a week. in a tent. with wild boars and snakes. aaaaand took showers from a bucket.

and you thought i was just a girly girl.

when we were on the field, we all took turns with various tasks. one of my favorite ones was known as "kp". yes, this is military lingo for "kitchen patrol". i loved it because we spent the whole day preparing meals for our team. i learned how to make bread dough and cinnamon rolls and how adding ranch dressing mix to chicken salad gives it a pleasant little "zip". it was always a good day, however, when we had baked oatmeal for breakfast. yummy goodness. i've made it a couple times since, but have just got back onto making it this week for breakfast. it makes a large portion, so i have my oatmeal already made for the week. perfect for a busy mom. here is my healthier version.

you're on "kp". enjoy! it's jungle and bucket-shower-free.

baked oatmeal

* 3 c. oats
* 1 c. brown sugar
* 2 t. cinnamon
* 2 t. baking powder
* 1 t. salt
* 1 c. skim milk
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 c. no sugar added applesauce
* 2 t. vanilla extract
* 1/2 c. raisins (optional)

- in a large bowl, mix dry ingredients. add milk, eggs, applesauce, vanilla and raisins and mix well.
- pour into a greased 8x8 pan. bake at 350 for approximately 25 minutes, or until set. serve warm. it's best when you pour warm milk over the top... sounds weird, but trust me. yum.