Serves 10

Although similar in flavor to stove-top oatmeal, this baked version has a mix of textures: a slightly firm, almost crusty top and a meltingly soft interior.

Prep tip: For a vegan dish, use soy, rice, or almond milk.

2 1/2 cups reduced-fat (2 percent) milk
11/4 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup date sugar or turbinado sugar
1 3/4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup dried cherries
3/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine milk, water, vanilla extract, and sugar. In a second large bowl, combine oats, cherries, almonds, and cinnamon. Pour liquid ingredients into oat mixture and stir. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.

PER SERVING: 183 cal, 28% fat cal, 6g fat, 1g sat fat, 5mg chol, 6g protein, 27g carb, 4g fiber, 28mg sodium