forget the microwave with baked oatmeal

Breakfast should be a delicious wake-up call, a scent that makes you want to jump right out of bed to start your day. Yes, the occasional brunch is something we all dream of as we stare at our cereal bowls, but there is a way to attain that tasty meal every week day...just ditch the microwave and turn on the oven! Baked oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious option to sweeten up every weekday morning!

Place a handful of berries (personally I love blueberries!) in a small heat proof bowl, then in a separate bowl empty a package of oatmeal, a handful of walnuts and mix with two teaspoons of egg whites, a splash of maple syrup, cinnamon, a touch of milk and lemon zest. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the berries and place a layer of sliced bananas on top! Your oven should be heated to 375, pop in your bowl for around 15 minutes!

After your baked goodness has cooled for a couple of minutes, for a little extra flavour, add a dolup of greek yogurt, some fresh berries and banana and sprinkle a little cinnamon, lemon zest and even some granola on top!

You've never had oatmeal like this! Caramelized bananas, berry compote, and oats that taste like a freshly baked muffin! This is a definite breakfast for champions, one that will have everyone rushing to the breakfast table!

nothing's better than homemade mac n' cheese...

Even if you are lactose and tolerant, no one can deny the complete pleasure of devouring a bowl of warm, extra cheesy mac n' cheese. I'm not talking the thin noodle, powdered cheese box variety, I mean the real homemade goodness! Personally there is just nothing better on a Sunday evening than cozying up inside with some good friends and eating something tasty. What better way to bring back the school year with this divine dish, my own mac n' extra cheese.

If you're gonna make it from scratch, you must commit...meaning, good quality cheese, the right pasta, and patience!

Step one: gather your fresh ingredients

milk

butter

white flower

salt, pepper, garlic powder and mustard powder

1 box of pasta - I used Rotini, but the classic Macaroni is always delicious

medium sized bowl of grated aged cheddar cheese 

Step two: get cooking

It's always easiest to put the pasta on before you start on the sauce, follow the box instructions and don't forget it! (put on a timer just incase!)

Next you start with a rue, which is as simple as combining butter and flower. Take about a quarter cup of butter and melt it on medium heat in a pot, slowly add a little bit of white flower at a time - MAKING SURE that it all dissolves into the butter, you're looking for a thick paste.

Then we add the milk, a splash at a time, stirring constantly to make sure no lumps form. Keep adding portions of milk until you have a thick liquid.

Now for the flavour! Crack a little pepper and stir in a pinch of salt. Then throw in a dash of garlic powder, and only a hint of mustard powder and stir! Then add the cheese! You want to separate it into thirds and make sure it melts before you add more. The important thing is to keep tasting to make sure you make it cheesey enough! Trust your inner culinary genius and you will get it right every time!

For the crust...

if you want to create a delicious baked crust on top, mix your pasta and your sauce together and spread it into a dish and set the oven to 375. In a separate bowl mix some regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper, basil, leftover cheese (i like to throw in a little parmesan), and a touch of oil and spread it on top of your mac n' cheese. Throw it in the over for 15 minutes, or until the top is a little golden and crispy and serve warm!

This dish is sure to get you a fan club, a facebook group, and general groupies, and is probably better than mum's! Enjoy!