Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Classic Banana Almond Oatmeal
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup water, and a fair pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1/2 well-ripened banana (mashed well), 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds, and 1 1/2 Tbsp almond butter until creamy.
- Sweeten with 1 tsp honey and 6 drops of almond extract to taste.
Coconut Banana Oatmeal
- Use the same method as above, but substitute 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk for the 2% milk.
- Add an additional 2 Tbsp shredded coconut and 1/8 tsp coconut extract for a tropical delight.
- Sweeten with 1 tsp packed brown sugar or to taste.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal
- Prepare oatmeal as directed, then mix in 1/2 overripe banana (mashed), 2 tsp cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
- Top with 2-3 tsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Sweeten with 2 tsp packed brown sugar or maple syrup to taste.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- In the saucepan, combine oats, milk, and water as usual.
- Stir in 2/3 cup finely chopped honey crisp apple, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp packed brown sugar.
- Add 1/8 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 Tbsp butter (optional) for richness.
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
- Cook oats in milk and water, then add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, a fair pinch of ground ginger, and a fair pinch of ground nutmeg.
- Sweeten with 1 Tbsp maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract (1/4 tsp).
- Top with 2 Tbsp chopped pecans for added crunch.
Berry Bliss Oatmeal
- Prepare oatmeal as usual, stirring in 1/2 cup mixed fresh or thawed frozen berries.
- Sweeten with 2 tsp honey and a splash of vanilla extract (1/8 tsp).
- Add 2 Tbsp half and half for creaminess.
Nutty Brown Sugar Oatmeal
- Cook oats in the traditional way, then mix in 2 Tbsp chopped mixed unsalted nuts.
- Sweeten with 2 tsp packed brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Top with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Tropical Fruit Oatmeal
- In a saucepan, combine oats, coconut milk, and water.
- Stir in 1/2 well-ripened banana (mashed), 2 Tbsp chopped unsalted peanuts, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
- Finish with a touch of coconut extract and 2 Tbsp shredded coconut for a vacation in a bowl.
Notes
- For creamier oats, let them simmer a little longer and stir frequently.
- Experiment with different nut butters to find your favorite combination.
- Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite protein powder for an extra boost.
- Top with fresh fruits just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
