Fruit on the Bottom Baked Oatmeal

Fruit on the Bottom Baked Oatmeal (From here: http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breakfastbrunch/fruit-on-the-bottom-baked-oatmeal/ )

* ¾ cups Butter, Divided
* 1-½ cup Thinly Sliced Fruit*
* 4 Tablespoons Demerara Sugar Or Sucanat, Divided
* ½ cups Whole Milk
* ⅔ cups Pure Maple Syrup
* 2 whole Large Eggs
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
* 2-½ teaspoons Baking Powder
* ¼ teaspoons Baking Soda
* ½ teaspoons Salt
* ⅓ cups Sliced Almonds

*Peaches, pears and apples are good choices. If using apples, make sure to slice them thinly or they will be crunchy.

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Melt butter; pour 1/4 cup into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish. Arrange sliced fruit on top of the butter and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons demerara. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together milk, maple syrup, eggs, remaining 1/2 cup butter and vanilla.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour over the fruit and smooth the top. Sprinkle with almonds and remaining 2 tablespoons demerara.
4. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until browned on top and fruit is bubbly. Allow to cool slightly. Serve with milk, cream or vanilla sauce.