SLICE AND GO OATMEAL

This one was sent to me by cousin Bea; originated from a food site forwarded by brother Jon.  I've tweaked it a bit.  Here's my version.  REALLY TASTY!

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups water
1 tsp. salt
3 1/2 cups old fashion oats
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup finely chopped dates
6 Tbsp. agave nectar
3 Tbsp. butter (earth balance)


DIRECTIONS:

Coat a 9" x 5" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil over medium high heat.  Stir in the oats, cinnamon and vanilla.  Cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the dates and agave nectar.

Pour the oat mixture into the baking pan, cover, and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Remove the loaf from the pan and cut into 1 inch thick slices.  In a large skillet, melt 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat.  Cook the oatmeal slices for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden and heated through, adding more butter as necessary.  Optional heating method:  microwave slices for 1 to 2 minutes, until warmed through.

ready to sit overnight

turn out onto cutting board and slice

brown in Earth Balance and serve

For my next batch, I'll replace the dates and vanilla with fresh blueberries and almond extract, a favorite combination of mine.