Baked Oatmeal

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease 2-quart souffle dish. In large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients**** and mix with a wire whisk; set aside. In medium bowl, combine next 4 ingredients. Add to oat mixture and stir until just combined. Place mixture into baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven to stir mixture and gently fold in fruit. Bake, uncovered, for another 20 minutes more or until top is lightly browned. Spoon into bowls. Serve with yogurt, milk or cream.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.*****

Notes in the Margin:
* The applesauce is used to cut-down on the amount of fat in the recipe. You may use 1/3 cup more oil or even sour cream.
** I've also used melted butter, cooled slightly, instead of the oil.
*** My family's favorite combination so far is 1 cup mashed bananas and 1 cup drained canned peaches. At Christmas, I've used my homemade Cranberry-Orange Relish with fabulous results. Any other fruits canned or fresh should work. Just be sure that the pieces are in sizes that can be eaten with a spoon.
**** To save time in the morning, I combine my dry ingredients the night before in a large mixing bowl that I've covered.
*****My family of 3 has it for 2 days. On the second day, I reheat the oatmeal in the microwave with a little milk mixed in.