banana nut bread oatmeal

Oatmeal is my quick, cheap, gratifying go-to meal. Too tired to cook dinner? Make oatmeal. Too cold to eat cereal for breakfast? Make oatmeal. Want something filling for lunch, but the fridge is empty? Make oatmeal. Belly growling? Make oatmeal. 

Oatmeal is soul-satisfying, hunger-quenching goodness. And for the record: instant oatmeal pouches are only remnants of the real thing. Treat yourself - take ten minutes of your life and make your own flavored oatmeal. When finished applaud yourself for making something from scratch that tastes incredible with minimal effort.

Inspired by A Beautiful Mess's Oatmeal 9 Ways. Here's my version of scrumptious and warm oatmeal! It truly taste like warm banana nut bread just out of the oven (with a fraction of the time and effort). 

Banana Nut Bread Oatmeal - single serving

Ingredients:

1 c. water (if you like thinner oatmeal add more water)

pinch of salt

1/2 c. oatmeal (I use old-fashioned)

1 banana, sliced (a half of banana works too)

1/2 tbsp. maple syrup 

1 tbsp. walnuts

dash of cinnamon

dash of allspice

1. Bring water and salt to boil over high heat in saucepan

2. Stir in oatmeal and lower to medium heat

3. Stir a few times until oatmeal is cooked. It should take a couple of minutes until the oatmeal has expanded in size and still has a little bite to it (similar to al dente pasta). Do NOT overcook it or you will have mush. 

4. While water is heating and oatmeal is cooking combine remaining ingredients in bowl.

5. Pour oatmeal over top of the banana and nut mixture and stir. 

6. Devour! 

Oatmeal is best served piping hot, but if you have delicate taste buds let it sit for a minute or two before eating. Try adding other fruits instead of bananas - raisins, blueberries, and strawberries all work perfectly with the maple/walnut/oatmeal combo. Oh and did I mention it's the perfect companion for a snowstorm? Keep warm, friends! Here comes Nemo! P.S. Anyone else think it's strange to name a winter storm after a tropical fish??