Fruit-and-Nut Baked Oatmeal

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease four 6-ounce au gratin dishes or one 1-1/2-quart casserole; set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine milk and butter. Bring to boiling. Gradually stir in oats. Stir in dried apricots, dried cherries, raisins, 3 tablespoons of the brown sugar, the vanilla, and salt. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to the prepared au gratin dishes or casserole. If using au gratin dishes, place in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and the nuts. Bake, uncovered, about 5 minutes more or until bubbly. Cool slightly. If desired, serve warm oatmeal with additional dried fruit and milk.