Apple Pecan Baked Oatmeal

Serves 6-8

2 large baking apples chopped into ¾ inch dice
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
2 cups milk of choice
3 eggs beaten well
2 tsp vanilla
⅛ - ¼ cup Demerara or other natural crystalized sugar for topping (Can omit)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare your pan by greasing it with ghee or coconut oil. I use a 10 inch cast iron pan that has high sides. You could also bake this in a 9x9 square pan. Add your diced apples to the bottom of the pan. In a large bowl combine dry ingredients except for the pecans.

In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, and vanilla well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine, making sure to stir up from the bottom. Pour the mixture over the apples in the pan and stir just enough to ensure uniform spread of ingredients throughout. Sprinkle pecans evenly on top and sprinkle with crystalized sugar if desired.

Bake for 45 minutes or until edges begin to brown and topping forms a nice crust. Serve with maple syrup and fresh whipped cream, or just enjoy as is.