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Michigan Baked Oatmeal

Diane Nemitz of Ludington won first place in the breakfast category with this company-ready dessert with a delicious bread-pudding consistency at Friske Orchards' 6th annual cherry recipe contest.

Ingredients

For baked oatmeal:
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries
  • 1/4 cup chunky applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For cherry sauce:
  • 1 quart frozen tart red cherries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
  • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water

Directions

For oatmeal: Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix all ingredients together into a greased oven proof 1 1/2 quart dish. Sprinkle additional almonds on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve with cherry sauce and additional milk or cream if desired. For cherry sauce: Place cherries in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until juices are released. Add remaining ingredients and cook, stirring frequently, over low heat until sauce had thickened. Serve warm. Serves 2 generously, 4 as part of a bigger breakfast. May be easily doubled. Increase baking time to 45 minutes and keep an eye on it.