Autumn Baked Oatmeal

2 cups old-fashioned (rolled) oats

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. sea salt

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup coconut milk (or other plant-based milk)

2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1/4 cup pecans

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1 firm, ripe pear

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x9” baking dish, and set aside.
2. In a large measuring cup, combine coconut milk and flaxseed meal, stir, and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Remove core and seeds from pear, and slice into thin wedges. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Make a well in the center.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry: applesauce, syrup, coconut milk and flaxseed mixture, vanilla. Stir well to combine.
6. Stir in nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries.
7. Pour oatmeal batter into prepared baking dish. Arrange pear slices on top.
8. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes, until center is firm.
9. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra maple syrup or a splash of milk or cream.