Kara's Overnight Baked Oatmeal

If Dan ever becomes a professor, Kara will be my inspiration. She is Dan's advisor's wife, and no one can host like Kara. She is gracious, kind, always smiling, incredibly interesting, an unbelievable mom, hosts parties with ease, and so much more – simply amazing!

Dan was out visiting Kara's family after they left Champaign a couple of years ago and went on a several-hour bike ride with his advisor. When they made it back home Kara had a delicious brunch prepared, including this Overnight Baked Oatmeal. He loved it so much that he asked her to email it to me. It's really unbeatable and it feeds a crowd with minimal work. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 4 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup oil 
• Kara often reduces the oil and adds applesauce to fill its place
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp or less salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup rasins, chopped apples, nuts - all optional

Preparation

Combine oats and boiling water. Let stand until water is absorbed.

Add the remaining ingredients to the oatmeal/water mixture and combine. Put in a greased 9"x12" baking dish and refrigerate overnight.

Bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

Kara recommends serving with milk. :)