Wait! Don't throw out that last unwanted overripe banana! You see it sitting there that last straggling spotted banana, but what do you do with it? There's not enough for banana bread or cupcakes and it's way too ripe and soft to simply eat on it's own. I don't know how many times I've been in this situation and have sadly just tossed the last straggler out because I can't find a purpose for it. I've even tried freezing that last random banana laying around but I never really end up using it. I just end up with those dark, strangely colored bananas lounging around my freezer and there so unappealing I've never dared actually use them =) and end up tossing them out anyway. So, I was sitting there one day tired of wasting so many good, prime bananas I decided I needed to find a use for them. Something with a similar, soft texture that would be enhanced by the delicious flavor of bananas. Here it is, utterly amazing banana oatmeal. One of the best bowls of oatmeal you will ever eat! And what a perfect way start your year off right with this healthy, antioxidant and nutrition packed oatmeal. I love when I can make something I feel great about eating that actually tastes amazing, not like a flavorless piece of cardboard that I have to talk myself into eating because it's "good for me." I even feel okay about throwing in the small bit of butter or cream because the fat will help a body absorb more nutrients, right =)? Have a great new year everyone and start your year of right with this banana oatmeal, something healthy AND delicious. It doesn't have to taste like old socks to to healthy and taste delicious =).
You may also like to try Blueberries and Cream Oatmeal.
It's crazy the different mood you get from adding a bit of sunlight to a pic.
Yields 2 servings (if your me, just 1)
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup Old Fashioned oats
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 overripe mashed banana
1-3 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar*
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp butter or 2 Tbsp cream (optional)
2 Tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
Bring water and milk just to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in oats, buttermilk, mashed banana, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove oatmeal from heat, stir in vanilla and optional butter or cream. Cover with a lid and let rest 3 minutes. Serve warm topped with optional chopped pecans.
For alternate cooking method: In a very large microwave safe bowl, combine oats, milk, buttermilk, water, mashed banana, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Microwave on high for 3 1/2 minutes. Allow to rest in the microwave for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla, optional cream or butter and optional pecans. Serve warm.
*Depending on how ripe your bananas and how sweet you like your oatmeal.
