A New Twist on the Classic Peanut Butter & Bananas

This oatmeal just seemed right on a cold winter morning. (It was snowing today and 7ºF out.) A peanut butter and banana combination was maybe just what I needed. I wanted a heartier-than-normal oatmeal, so I opted for steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned for a change. Swirl in some whipped, fluffier peanut butter along with cinnamon and top with a caramelized, gooey banana. The end result? My newest oatmeal creation — Peanut Butter & Cinnamon Oatmeal with Caramelized Banana.

Ingredients (makes 1 serving).

For the Oatmeal:

• 1/2 c steel-cut oats
• 1 T chia seeds (optional)
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• 3/4 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1/2 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
• 2-3 t whipped peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice
• Cinnamon sugar to top (optional)
• Golden raisins to top (optional)

For the Caramelized Banana:

• Half of one banana, mashed

Directions.

1. In a food processor or small blender, combine oats, cinnamon, salt and chia seeds (optional). Blend until a flour-like consistency begins to form.
2. Add vanilla, peanut butter, and almond milk or milk of choice to the oats. Blend until well mixed.
3. Transfer oatmeal to a microwavable bowl and top with the remaining pieces of cubed apple. Heat the oatmeal on 50% power for 1 min and 30 sec. If not warm enough, heat for an additional 30 sec on high power. If the consistency is too thick, add more almond milk.
4. Top with the caramelized banana (directions here — or heat the mashed banana in the microwave for about 30 sec or until banana is gooey and “melted”).
5. Lightly dust with cinnamon sugar and top with golden raisins (both optional).
6. Enjoy!

Pictured with chocolate shavings (top left) and coffee with Homemade Gingerbread Creamer. I couldn’t decide if some chocolate was necessary!