Saint Valentine's Oatmeal Bake

This post was written by past Catholic Cuisine contributor Amy.

I have been using a certain recipe for Oatmeal bake for about a year now, but decided to change it up a bit. Then I figured, I would share it with you!  This would make a perfect Saint Valentine breakfast or treat with some added white chocolate chips!

Since there are some people in this house that would rather eat dirt in this house than eat a bowl of oatmeal,  this is a nice alternative.  Everyone likes it and it make a ton, so even if you do not have a large family you can stick it in an air tight container and snack on it.

Oatmeal Bake
serves approx. 12

1 cup butter
1 cup all natural peanut butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup applesauce
1 Tablespoon vanilla
4 cups oats
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cherries
shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cream together butter and peanut butter.  Add sugar and whip till fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time and then vanilla.
In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients except dried fruit and coconut.  Slowly add to wet ingredients.  When fully combined add dried fruit.
Press into a buttered 10x15  pan.  Helpful hint: wet down your hands.  Sprinkle with shredded coconut and arrange some extra dried cherries on top in he shape of a heart.  Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Arrange some extra dried cherries on top in he shape of a heart.

This is so yummy with a tall glass of ice cold milk!