I recently enjoyed having breakfast with some friends. One of the dishes we indulged in was a cheesecake and chocolate baked oatmeal. Its velvety ribbons of sweetened cream cheese and perfectly placed chocolate morsels had me going back for seconds! And...it got me thinking! I wonder if I could pull off a s'mores baked oatmeal?

After a bit of contemplating and experimentation, I've created the perfect baked oatmeal! It's flavors will take you back to summers sitting around the campfire, all the while filling your belly with a hearty breakfast sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!

-- April

S'mores Baked Oatmeal

Serves 4

This dish isn't just for breakfast! It makes a perfect anytime snack, especially during these cold winter months!

3 cups whole milk try Klein's Farm
1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup date sugar (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
1/2 stick butter, melted
Mini-marshmallows

Directions:

Preheat broiler. Begin by heating 3 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium to medium high heat. Either two percent milk or whole, will work equally well. I used whole milk for this recipe. When the milk becomes hot, and just begins to simmer add the oats, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring occasionally and until the cereal has reached the desired thickness. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, lightly grease a 8x8 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside. In a small bowl mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Set aside. Add cinnamon and date sugar to the cooked oatmeal. Stir. Add half of the oatmeal to the prepared dish, layer graham cracker mixture, followed by the chocolate chips. Cover with remaining oatmeal and carefully and precisely top with mini-marshmallows.

Place the casserole dish six inches away from the broiler and watch carefully. The marshmallows will cook very quickly! Remove from the oven once the marshmallows have toasted to a golden brown. Serve hot!

Cook’s Note: S’mores Baked Oatmeal can be baked ahead of time, refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave. Marshmallows may not hold their original form, however.