Single Serving Honey Baked Oatmeal

Do you ever have those days where you wake up and just don't want to take off your pajamas?  A morning where you feel tempted to call in sick, snuggle up in a blanket and watch trashy tv on the couch?  Yeah, me too.  Unfortunately, I am a card-carrying member of the working-class society, which means when these mornings occur outside the weekend, I must resist.  It's mornings like these that I go for my Honey Baked Oatmeal.  If you have to get out of a cozy bed, this is the perfect breakfast to keep you warm and snuggly...on the inside.

I absolutely love oats in the morning.  That glorious grain has a way of sticking with you while whittling away at the waistline....so marvelous.  Whether grilled in pancakes in simply cooked with a few extra toppings, they are always a warm and comforting start to the day.  Baked oatmeal is one of my favorites.  Sometimes it's great to bake up a batch for the hubs and I to share throughout the week.  But during those stretches where he has to be at the hospital before breakfast, I prefer to make individual batches.  It's a great option if you don't feel like eating the same thing over and over again.

Honey.  That's what this recipe is all about.  Baked...with honey.  And topped....with honey.  What can be more delicious than that?  Now ask the hubs and he'll tell you that I love mix-ins.  I will throw a few of this and a couple of that on top of anything just to try it once.  Perhaps that is why I find this dish so wonderful...it's simplicity.  It's just honey....deliciously sweet and natural honey.  And it's glorious.  The subtle sweetness with the hearty oats gets me every time (good job nature!).  The texture of the dish is wonderful...light, fluffy and tender, after eating a bowl you are left feeling satisfied rather than stuffed.  Sometimes I'll add a few nuts on top or a little fresh fruit as a mix-in, such as the fresh mango mixed into this batch.  The base recipe is so good, so clean and so versatile that you can dress it up or down any way you like.

Make your parting from your pajamas a bit easier, and enjoy a toasty bowl of oatmeal.

Honey Baked Oatmeal (single serving)

• 1 egg white
• 2 tbs unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 c milk 
• 3-4 tsp honey, divided (creamed if you have it!)
• 1/3 c rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• pinch salt
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a small oven-safe dish or large muffin tin with non-stick.  Crack the egg white into a small mixing bowl and whisk lightly.  Add the apple sauce, milk and 2 teaspoons of the honey, and whisk until well combined.  In a second bowl, mix the oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon (if desired).  Pour the dry ingredients into the honey milk mixture and stir together to combine.  If you want to add any mix-ins, toss them in at this point, too.

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until oats are set and just starting to turn golden on top.  Top with the remaining 1-2 teaspoons of honey.  Garnish with fresh fruit, nuts or cream.