Oatmeal Mondays

Baked oatmeal has become quite the craze.  I had it for the first time at my sister's house the morning after a family party.  She served it with Greek yogurt dip and fresh strawberries.  I immediately requested the recipe.  There are so many recipes out there.  I've seen it featured in Southern Living, Reader's Digest, just to name a few.  Some call for butter, multiple eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, pumpkin, various spices, and fresh or dried fruit.  I have tried many and have even done my own creations but nothing compares to this recipe.  It's for baked banana peanut butter oatmeal.  It is by far the most satisfying out of the bunch.

Some baked oatmeal dishes will crumble on you but this one holds together beautifully.  You could eat it with your hands if you were without utensils!  For me, banana, peanut butter and cinnamon all rolled into one dish is like heaven on a plate.  And the sliced bananas on top are genius!

They not only look pretty but become these super concentrated, roasted, sweet jewels when baked in the oven.  Serve a piece (sounds funny to refer to oatmeal as a piece but it really is in this case) with some Greek yogurt dip that I featured in Saturday's post, honey or more maple syrup.  You will be off to a great start :)

 

Baked Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Source: Happy Healthy Mama

Makes 6-8 servings

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)*

1 large egg

2 medium bananas, one mashed well with a fork and one sliced

2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a medium sized casserole dish and set aside.**

In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Add the milk, egg, 1 mashed banana, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.  Mix well.

Pour the mixture into the greased dish.  Top with sliced bananas.  Bake for 20-30 minutes, until your desired consistency is reached.***

*I use water.

**I use an 8x8 Pyrex and get four servings out of it.

***I bake mine for 22 minutes.