Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
It's almost Easter weekend! Easter was always my favorite holiday growing up. In South Carolina everything was blooming and smelled so fresh and the weather was getting warmer. Can't really say that for New York, but Easter still has a special place in my heart with all of the meaning behind the celebration. One of the ways I try to make Easter special is by gathering with friends or family for an Easter brunch! And this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is one of my favorites for the spread! Wanna make some with me!?
Easter has so much meaning to me other than just spring being in the air. Easter is a symbol to me of my freedom. It's a symbol to me that I no longer have to strive for perfection. It means that I can fully embrace my imperfection in all that I am and still be ok. I'm able to live in freedom instead of bondage.
What does living in freedom look like for you? Have you experienced that type of living? Or do you feel constantly bombarded by demands to do this or that, to be more, to work harder? Have you ever just let yourself let go?
Friend, you've got to let go. Letting go feels so good. It's scary, no doubt. But it will be the best thing you will ever do. Embrace your imperfection. Embrace the fact that you are individual and unlike any other person on this planet. Take hold of the truth that you are enough.
I just feel compelled to share this with you today. Not because I have it all figured out, no way! I struggle still with feeling enough. I sometimes find myself wishing for what I think will be the next greatest thing in my life when I should really be just relishing in the truth that I am enough.You are enough.
You can't hear that too much. And you can't tell yourself that enough.In a world where we're always told we're doing something wrong. Whether that's being wrong in how we look, the size we are, what we do, who we hang out with, how we eat. We've got countless books on "self help" that we're drawn to because, well, surely there's something wrong and I need help!
No. You are enough.Just as you are.Right now.So be at peace.
I hope you have a blessed Easter weekend and can rest in the knowledge that YOU ARE ENOUGH. And, in the spirit of all things spring, you should make this baked oatmeal inspired by my favorite cake and a favorite at this time of year! I love making this because to me it means we're almost to summer!
Let me know if you try this recipe! I always love seeing you guys's creations...just tag @victoriayates.nutrition on instagram!
Have a happy EASTER!
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 cups quick cooking steel cut oats or reg old fashioned oats (I used steel cut)
2 tsp cinnamon
1tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1 3/4 cup almond milk (or other desired milk)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 eggs
3 tbs coconut oil, melted and divided
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups shredded carrots
topping: greek yogurt or whipped cream, more pecans, drizzle of honey, and sprinkle of shredded carrot.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium sauce pan toast pecans, careful not to burn them. Prepare your 9x9 inch glass baking dish by greasing with coconut oil. Combine dry ingredients: pecans, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients: milk, honey/maple syrup, eggs, 1/2 of melted coconut oil, vanilla, and shredded carrots. Whisk to combine. Stir together wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before topping with greek yogurt, whipped cream, pecans, honey, and/or more shredded carrot. Enjoy!