Fresh out of the oven...

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread

Nothing says Fall like this bread.  Warm, spicy cinnamon notes combined with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal and applesauce.  I used to make this all the time because it's such an easy recipe.  But we don't always have instant apple cinnamon oatmeal in the house (we try to stick to old fashioned oats for breakfast).  So I was very pleased to find two packets in the pantry this morning.  That's been happening a lot lately.  I just love when you have all the ingredients for a dish and you don't have to run to the food store special for it.  A mother's dream :)  That and a slice (or 2) of this bread with a slather of butter.  It's comfort on a plate.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread 

¼ C butter, softened

1 C sugar

1 C chunky applesauce

1 ½ t cinnamon

2 packets instant apple cinnamon oatmeal

2 eggs

1 t baking soda

1 ½ C flour

Grease loaf pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Mix in applesauce, cinnamon and 1 packet oatmeal.  Stir in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Mix in baking soda and flour.  Pour into loaf pan and sprinkle 2^nd packet oatmeal over batter.  Bake 43 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 5-10 minutes in pan and then invert onto wire rack to cool completely.