Banana & Peanut Butter Oatmeal with Maple Syrup... now that's a BREAKFAST!

This recipe has been featured on Maple Syrup World. 
 
I worked from home today and was so busy that I didn't have a chance to eat until 1 PM.  I was starving!  My BFF, Anu, called me up from London before I had a chance to eat, she was sad!  Being the good friend I am, I talked to her for a little while to cheer her up.  While I was talking to her it hit me that I should make myself, oatmeal.  I don't know how I thought of oatmeal, maybe because my friend is prego, and you know oatmeal is healthy and all.  My thought process doesn't always make sense.


Half way thru our conversation I asked her, "Do you like oatmeal?"  
She said, "Yeah, it's okay, why?"  
I said, "Well, I'm thinking of making some for me, so I'll just dedicate today's blog post to you since you can make something healthy for yourself while you are prego."  
She didn't seem to care. 🙁  I know, right?  We soon hung up and she was in happier spirits, and I was happy that she was happy.  🙂

I had fresh organic bananas that I picked up from Wegmans yesterday, and I can't waste anything that is organic (more $$, you know).  I put my bananas to good use and added them to my oatmeal; Peanut Butter just seemed like the obvious choice when eating bananas.  I could have added sugar or agave to my oatmeal, but Maple Syrup just sounded perfect with bananas.  This bowl of heavenly goodness was extremely satiating... I was full for 3 whole hours... and just look at the amount of nutrition in one bowl!

NUTRITION: Oats help reduce cholesterol and are a good source of Protein and Fiber.  Bananas are a very good source of Vitamin B6. They are also a good source of Vitamin C and Fiber.  Peanut Butter is high in fat and should be eaten in moderation, however it is a good source of Fiber, Protein, Folic Acid, and Vitamin E.  Milk is a very good source of Calcium and Vitamin D. It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamins A and K.

INGREDIENTS:

• Quaker Oats - ½ cup
• Milk 1% - ½ cup
• Water - ½ cup
• Pure Maple Syrup - 1 tablespoon (Maple Syrup is a NATURAL SWEETENER, you can also use Agave)
• Banana - 1 (sliced)
• Cinnamon - ⅛ tsp 
• Natural Peanut Butter - 1 tablespoon (my pb DOES NOT contain High Fructose Corn Syrup)
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Here is what you'll need.

2. Add oats to a microwave safe bowl.

3. Add milk.  I KNOW MY NAILS ARE NOT DONE!  🙂

4. Add water. 

5. Stir.

6. Place in the microwave for 2 minutes.

7. This is what you should have.

8. Add maple syrup, which is a natural sweetener and is much better for you than sugar.  You can use Agave instead, however Maple Syrup tastes amazing!  Combine.

9. Add cinnamon.  Combine.

10. Slice a banana.  Add to the oatmeal.

11. Heat 1 tablespoon peanut butter for 30-60 seconds in a microwave safe bowl.

12. Top banana oatmeal with peanut butter.  PRETTY, RIGHT?