It is a holiday in Bulgaria today. Every year, on March 1st all you can see is red and white. This tradition has been preserved for many years and is one of the oldest rites in BG.

On this day, people give a so-called “martenitsa” to their beloved, which consists of twisted white and red threads. They symbolize the end of the winter and the beginning of spring. The white colour signifies long life, and the red one – health and strength. Typical forms of martenitsas are woolen poppets and bracelets. Traditionally you wear them until you see a stork, swallows or cuckoos appear as a sign of spring. Then you tie your martenitsa on a tree or hide it under a stone.

As this is a day you wish health and strength to everybody – what I do to you, of course – I will present you a healthy pinterest recipe from So, How’s It Taste? I stumbled upon. Baked oatmeal is just so good. Try this with your favorite fruit – and you have a healthy breakfast, snack, whatever.

Baked Oatmeal
(makes about 6 servings)

1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1 pinch of salt
1/4 cup liquid honey
1 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract or fresh ground vanilla beans
2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup berries, fresh or frozen

Slightly oil a baking dish. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

Whisk together the oats, the hazelnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combine honey, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla in another bowl.
Spread the bananas at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the dry mixture on top. Pour the liquid mixture into the dish and top with the berries.
bake for abour 35 minutes until the top of the oatmeal turns a light amber brown. Let cool before serving.