On The Menu Just In Time For Mother’s Day: Apple Pecan Oatmeal Bake May 1, 2017
Treat mom to the ultimate gift this Mother’s Day: breakfast in bed! Hear what chef Lindsay has to say about this satisfying, sweet but not too sweet, nutty, and wholesome oatmeal bake, then select it off the menu today.
Can you describe the process of developing this breakfast recipe? What was your inspiration?
Chef Lindsay: Ironically, the inspiration for this recipe came from my mom, long before I knew it was going to be featured the week of Mother’s Day! When I thought about an oatmeal bake, the first thing that came to mind was an apple crumble, her favorite dessert. I decided to create a healthier version for breakfast, adding an egg to create a cake-like airy texture while still keeping the essentials: sweet-tart apples, oats, toasty nuts, and dried fruit (which always makes for a winning combination).
Why did you opt for coconut milk rather than almond or traditional cow’s milk? What do you like about it?
Chef Lindsay: I chose coconut milk because of its smooth, rich texture. Not only is it a good lactose-free alternative to traditional cow’s milk, but it also adds natural sweetness to the dish.
What do you like about cooking with oats? What’s your favorite way to prepare them?
Chef Lindsay: Oats are such a versatile ingredient! We’ve had a lot of fun in the test kitchen over the last few months trying out both sweet and savory dishes using oats. They have many health benefits, and I’m always a fan of starting my day with whole grain, fiber-packed oats. In addition to the oatmeal bake, my other favorite is overnight oats.
Brown sugar vs. regular, white sugar. What’s the difference? Why did you choose brown sugar rather than white for a touch of sweetness in this recipe?
Chef Lindsay: Although they are fairly interchangeable, I opted for brown sugar because it has been my experience that it adds more moisture to baked goods. The molasses in brown sugar also yields a richer caramelized flavor that compliments the other ingredients in the dish.
Why should customers be excited to wake up to this breakfast on Mother’s Day?
Chef Lindsay: It’s a satisfying, hearty breakfast that can even be made ahead, then cut into squares for on-the-go snacking or warmed in a bowl with a dollop of yogurt.
What makes for a balanced breakfast? What are the nutritional benefits of this recipe?
Rebecca, RD: This oatmeal bake has some of my favorite superfoods: whole grain oats, nuts, fresh fruit, and unflavored Greek yogurt. I love the addition of cinnamon to create flavor and help stabilize blood sugar so you don’t get a huge spike only to crash later.
Sarah, RD: A balanced breakfast for me is a combination of healthy fats, whole grains, and protein. I also try to get in a serving of fruits or vegetables. I love that this meal packs in whole grains (oats), protein (Greek yogurt), and fruit (apple) — everything I’m looking for in a breakfast.
Get the recipe plus all the ingredients you need to cook this breakfast of champions delivered to your door. All you have to do is select it off the menu!