Créme Brûlée Oatmeal is a great start to a weekend morning, just the perfect balance of sugar, oatmeal and apples. Keep in mind, this is not your mother's oatmeal. It is not my intention to insult your mother's oatmeal, just to update it a little. This can be grown up oatmeal, sophisticated enough to serve at a brunch, yet kid proof enough for your little ones to eat while watching cartoons.

Créme Brûlée Oatmeal

This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

2-1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup peeled and chopped, granny smith apple
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
3-1/3 cups non fat milk
1/2 cup egg substitute (such as Egg Beaters)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar

Directions

Preheat, oven to 350º degrees F. Spray an 8-inch baking dish, or individual ramekins with nonstick cooking spray. Combine oats, chopped apple and sugar in a bowl to incorporate together, put the mixture in the prepared baking dish/ramekins. Using the same mixing bowl, whisk together milk, egg substitute, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Use this mixture to cover the oatmeal, stir to make sure the oatmeal mixture is covered completely. Bake approximately 40 to 45 minutes, check the oatmeal at about 35 minutes, everyone's ovens cook at a different pace. You want the center to still be moist and creamy, then carefully remove the oatmeal from the oven. Turn the oven to broil and give it a few minutes to get to temperature. While you are waiting, sprinkle the brown sugar in a thin layer over the oatmeal. Make sure the oatmeal is completely covered, then place the oatmeal back in the oven -- keeping a very close eye on it. You do not want to burn it, it looks bad and smells worse. Two to three minutes should work, the top should be caramelized crispy and just crack slightly when you dig your spoon in. Serve this dish warm, with a choice of, bananas, raisins, walnuts, maple syrup (for the sweet tooth) and real cream or milk, your choice. Your family will love this special healthy treat, make this a part of any weekend morning or special occasion and you will have rave reviews.