If you guys hadn’t heard by now I kind of don’t like oatmeal.
Except for when I love it. And crave it. And this weekend? I craved it.
Here’s the thing though…I didn’t make it. Instead I made eggs and bacon and cranberry-orange muffins. And dreamt of oatmeal the whole time I was eating them (even though the other three things were pretty stinking tasty themselves).
I really don’t know if it’s the cooler weather looming in our future, the chilly mornings, or just the anticipation of true fall coming about in the next 2 weeks, but oatmeal has sounded better and better every day for at least the past month. I’ve held out, told myself ‘NO’, and haven’t made any. But this morning? This morning I took one look at the beautiful plums on our counter and the frozen blueberries I just HAD to have this weekend and thought to myself, “Today’s the day. It’s oatmeal time.”
My favorite way to make oatmeal actually stems from my healthy living blog days when I would whip it with a banana a la Kath Eats to have the creamiest texture possible. Plus it ads an extra serving of fruit, something I could always stand to have more of! I like the texture of peanut butter in my oatmeal (NOT almond butter), but you certainly don’t have to add it. But do make sure you use up the last of your summer stone fruit in something that will make them say ‘thank you.’ It’ll give you good food karma the rest of the day!
SIMPLE PLUMBERRY OATMEAL
- 1 small banana (or half of a large banana)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (to be honest I’ve used quick-cooking and it’s worked out fine, but traditional rolled oats are better)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- pinch of salt
- 1 plum, washed and sliced into segments
- 1/3 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar (depends on your taste and how ripe the fruit is)
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter, optional
- 1 Tbsp wheat germ or milled flax seed, optional
Combine the berries and plum segments with the sugar and let it sit while the oats are cooking. Slice the banana into very thin slices. Heat gently in a saucepan on medium-low heat. Add the oatmeal, water, milk, and salt and stir vigorously and constantly until the banana is blended into the mixture well with no chunks remaining. Cook and stir a little longer until the oats reach your preferred consistency (I like mine to be pretty thick). Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter, if using, until fully combined. Top with the mascerated plums and berries. Serve hot with coffee, water, or a morning margarita…I won’t judge! (OK, maybe not with a margarita…you catch my drift!)
Ah oatmeal. I’ll probably hate you again next week, but now? Right now we’re best buds!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Karina Dresses giveaway on Faces of Beauty!
Elle says
I could dive head first into that bowl, seriously. Going to try some baked oatmeal this week! Oh, and the idea of whipping oatmeal with a banana? Hell, yes!
Robin says
This oatmeal might have changed my life. I’ve always been an oatmeal fan (really any hot cereal) but with the bananas whipped in…a-mazing!!
Robin Sue says
Now that is an oatmeal to be proud of. I like my oatmeal with brown sugar and lots of cream. Sinful!
Jenny says
Best line…”It’s oatmeal time” This looks wonderful. I love oatmeal…pretty much all the time and the peanut butter addition is always welcome in my books!
Urban Wife says
Yummy! I have some leftover roasted plums so I’ll be making this for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks!!
Lindsay @ biking before bed says
I’m not a huge plum fan. But you have me sold with those beautiful pictures.
Delishhh says
I love oatmeal and like mine cookes with milk and then i add honey and milk to my bowl. I have never tried it this way but sounds amazing.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Whoa- I love all the berry goodness overflowing from that bowl! Yum!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
these are the prettiest colors ever!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
looks great!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Gorgeous pictures Heather! I love oatmeal all the time, but my favorite toppings are always stone fruits. This of course looks so much better/prettier than mine ever does 😉