banana bread oatmeal

I always try to get excited about oatmeal for breakfast... I mean, it's super healthy, right? And filling. And a good all around breakfast. But it has always just seemed kind of... bland. (Like oatmeal.) I can tolerate it if I add roughly equal parts brown sugar and oatmeal, but that pretty much just defeats the health benefits of oatmeal. Anyway, when I came across this recipe on Pinterest, I was excited to give it a go. I love banana bread, so why not try to duplicate that flavor in my oatmeal? The result? Amazing! I love that the bananas give it enough sweetness that you don't have to add a ton of brown sugar, and the spices and bananas in combination with the warm oatmeal make it a bowl of comfort food. Yum!

Banana Bread Oatmeal
adapted from A Pastry Affair

1 1/4 cup milk
1 -2 overripe bananas, mashed (plus more for topping, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup quick oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-2 teaspoons chopped nuts of your choice (I used almonds, but I think walnuts would be fab)

In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk, mashed bananas, and spices and bring to a boil over medium heat. When it starts to boil, add the rolled oats and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the oats are soft and the liquid has been absorbed. Pour into a bowl, top each serving with a tablespoon of brown sugar, slices of banana, and nuts.

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