Mixed Berry, Vanilla and Coconut Baked Oats

Hey, so VERY long time no post!!! I had a break from blogging as my life got very busy very suddenly, and as such I had to give up cooking and experimenting as often. I am SO excited to be back, especially with this super delicious and healthy breakfast bake. I ABSOLUTELY love porridge or anything oat-y, I even sometimes have porridge for dinner. It's one of the most versatile foods which you can toss any amount of nuts, berries, fruit or syrups on top of and it will just keep on getting more tasty!! This recipe is so quick and easy to make and will last for your breakfast for the next 3-4 days, just put it in the fridge and take as much as you need for a quick breakfast fix!

Ingredients: 

• 1 generic mug of oats (around 100g) 
• 2 1/2 tbs of coconut milk (the really thick part at the top of the can) 
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla powder/ 1 tsp of vanilla essence
• Optional: chia seeds 

• 1 ripe banana
• 50g/1/3 cup cashews (any other nut will do just as well - I recommend almonds/ pecans or walnuts as replacement)
• 90g/ half a cup chopped dates (chop yourself for fresher taste) 
• About half a mug of each: Blueberries and Cherries (I used frozen and then ran them under hot water for about 1/2 a minute - makes the cherries easier as you don't have to pit them) 
• 1- 3 tbs of maple syrup/ honey (depending on how sweet you want it) 
• Optional: few drops of stevia to add extra sweetness
• Some blueberries and coconut flakes to garnish 

Method: 

• Pre- heat the oven to 190 degrees celsius and grease a small ceramic or glass baking dish with some coconut oil. 
• Boil some hot water
• Mix together the top three (with optional fourth) ingredients in a bowl and pour the boiling hot water over the oat mix. Stir and leave for around 10 minutes 
• Cut up the banana into small slices. Crush or put cashews in food processor to make them into smaller chunks (DO NOT make into a flour type mixture - only a few bursts in the food processor will do). Chop the dates. Mix together with the berries. 
• Pour the banana/ berries/ dates/ cashew mixture over the oats and then add the maple syrup or honey. Stir together thoroughly.
• Pour into the small baking dish and bake for 20mins.

Can refrigerate for approximately three days.