The Scented Kitchen: Baked Oatmeal & Ambiance Diffusers
I recently received a small package in the mail that brought back a flood of memories. If you've followed my previous blog, The Scent of a Memory, you know that as a child, my family moved from Iowa to Oregon. This move was exciting for many reasons, not the least of which was the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. While Iowa had its roadside stands, Oregon was dotted with U-pick farms—a true paradise for my young mind.
The package I received contained something truly special: a collection of handwritten letters my mother had sent to her dear friend, Lois, after our move. Since my mom, now nearly 92, is no longer able to write letters, I decided to take up the correspondence during the pandemic. Lois recently sent me back those cherished letters, organized by date, and reading through them was like stepping into the past. My mom’s words painted a vivid picture of her passion for canning, cooking, and creating nourishing meals for her family. Her lists of preserved foods were impressive—56 quarts of peaches, 128 quarts of pears, 20 quarts of applesauce, and more.
To fully immerse myself in this nostalgic experience, I turned on my ScenTrio Petite® Wax Warmer with Belle Aroma Sweet Orange essential oil. The soft glow of the diffuser’s ambient light created the perfect setting to read through the letters and reflect on my own love for cooking. If you're wondering, Are there diffusers with lights for ambiance?—the answer is yes! Many modern diffusers not only disperse essential oils but also feature LED lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. This combination of fragrance and soft illumination enhances any space, whether you're unwinding with a book or preparing a comforting meal.
Speaking of comforting meals, my passion for canning eventually led me to develop my own version of baked oatmeal. While I’ve experimented with different fruits, peaches remain my favorite. Every time we visit my mother-in-law in Iowa, she requests a double batch for her freezer so she can enjoy it between visits.
This recipe is easily adaptable—apples, pineapple, and even pumpkin work well. You can also add nuts, coconut, raisins, or other mix-ins to suit your taste.
As I enjoyed my baked oatmeal with the soothing scent of citrus in the air, I realized how much ambiance enhances an experience. Whether through nostalgic flavors or the gentle glow of a diffuser, creating a comforting atmosphere is a gift to yourself and those around you.
Do you use a diffuser with lighting to create ambiance in your home?
Lori Herr for Belle Aroma® Brand
Recipe:
Baked Oatmeal Recipe (Serves 12-15)
Ingredients:
6 cups oats (old-fashioned or quick, NOT instant)
4 eggs
2 cups milk
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 mashed banana
1/4 cup oil
1 (28 oz) can of peaches, partially drained and chopped
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon, to taste (I like a lot!)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Pour into a sprayed 13x9 pan.
Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool, then cut into 12-15 pieces.
Store in sandwich bags and freeze. To reheat, microwave for about 1 minute or warm in a toaster oven for a crispy edge.