Baked Blueberry and Banana Oatmeal

OK so as most of my meals begin --it was a case of -holy cow these bananas are going to go bad and what can I make with all these blueberries. The search for a recipe with these fruits and oatmeal began-- plus like most of us am trying to be conscious when it comes to our cholesterol! This was awesome and definitely a do-again recipe!!

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving

1 cup milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces

3/4 cup fresh blueberries

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Grease or spray a 1 and 1/2-quart casserole dish with either butter or cooking spray.

3. In a medium bowl, toss together the oats, half of the walnuts, the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

 4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, half of the melted butter, and the vanilla.

 5. Place the sliced banana pieces in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.

 6. Sprinkle about two-thirds of the fresh blueberries over the top of the bananas

  then cover the blueberries with the oat mixture.

 7. Drizzle the milk mixture over the oats, making sure to distribute the milk as evenly as possible.

 8.  Sprinkle the remaining blueberries and walnuts over the top of the oats.

 9.  Bake the oatmeal for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the oats have set.

10. Remove the oatmeal from the oven and drizzle the remaining butter over the top and serve.**Feel free to garnish with whatever toppings you like: more maple syrup, butter, brown sugar, etc.