Baked Oatmeal with Mixed Berries and Plums

I have such vivid memories of the first day of kindergarten. I remember getting off that yellow school bus after an hour-long ride, and my neighbor Mike taking my hand. He was a few years older and must have been encouraged to make sure I made it to my classroom in one piece.

We walked in, past the main office and the gym, and we turned left toward my classroom.

I remember that Mike didn't leave me at the door. He certainly could have. My teacher was there greeting us as we came in. Instead he followed me in. He led me to my cubby and helped me hang up my backpack. He made sure I was all set before leaving me in that new environment. When he left, I didn't feel so alone.

I'm holding that story with me as I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. and prepare for the first day of school tomorrow, despite the fact that my position is quite different now.

I want to hold onto that little girl who took strength and encouragement from someone taking a few minutes to show her that he cared. I hope she reminds me to smile, to be alright with people taking the time that they need to get adjusted, and to start establishing those personal relationships from moment one.

Luckily, I'll have this baked oatmeal to fuel me through. Sliced plums and mixed berries are layered on the bottom and toasted walnuts are mixed throughout. The oatmeal is only ever-so-slightly sweetened, so all the individual flavors of the ingredients shine through.

I baked up a big batch of it right before I was due back to work. It reheats easily in the morning, and it gives me the energy I need to get through the day.

Tomorrow morning when I dig in, I'll think about that little girl stepping off the bus to someone making her feel safe and at home. I want to give my students that same experience.

Almond-Plum Everyday Cake

I had cake for breakfast.

Two days in a row.

It's a healthy cake of sorts. Only one-half cup brown sugar in the whole cake. Four large plums. Almond flour. I left off the ice cream--that was for dessert the night before.

(Ignore the cup and then some of butter.)

I am a girl who loves baked goods for breakfast. When I was out with my aunt and cousin today, we bonded over how important it was to have a little bit of something baked with our coffee in the morning. I think it runs in my family.

I generally have more everyday baked goods. Muffins are a given, as is toast with almond butter. I'll make a big batch of waffles or pancakes and freeze them, reheating a few in the morning for breakfast. Pre-made, they become easy go-to breakfasts.

This almond-plum cake could be considered an everyday cake. It comes together in minutes, you mix it with your hands, and then throw it in the oven. It's delicious plain or topped with vanilla ice cream. You'll probably have almost all the ingredients for this on hand, and you can swap other fruits in based on what's in season. 

We could also call it a thank you for being amazing friends cake.

Whatever name you give it, have a slice for breakfast. I think it might be good luck. Three fabulous things happened after I had a slice that I'll be sharing with you soon!