Banana & Peanut Butter “One Hour” Oats

These past few days have been about family and airport pickups, and unfortunately I haven’t been home to blog.  In addition, I dragged my sister to help me with decor & furniture shopping.  Now even though she is traditionalist, and I’m more contemporary, she gives me really good advice on what to buy and what to avoid.  As you know I live in a 1 bedroom apartment and I’m trying to add a few more furniture items to make the place feel warm, without making it feel cluttered.  You know?  It’s not easy when you are living in a small space, you really need to select furniture that is not too overbearing.  So instead of depending on my own instincts, I run over to my sister and ask her to pick out stuff for me and decorate my place… LOL!  Too much to ask for I guess, well the best part is she loves doing it… so yay!

As you know my brother is a huge fan of oatmeal and he usually makes it on the stove without anything in it, so boring in my opinion.  The past few months I’ve eaten oatmeal, I’ve added fruits, peanut butter and all sorts of goodies to increase the nutrition.  After reading one of my favorite blogs, Carrots N Cake by Tina Haupert, I decided to give cold oatmeal a try.  Tina’s version is slightly different since she leaves the oats overnight in the refrigerator, however the oats become way too mushy for my liking.  Instead I tried a few versions and came up with “One Hour” Oats where I leave the oats soaked in milk and other ingredients for just an hour prior to eating them.  I find the oats to be yummy, slightly soft, and delicious.  Let me know your thoughts. 

OMG… Now I’m watching Oprah’s Favorite Things episode… can’t wait to see her recommendations!  🙂 


TELL ME: Where do you shop for contemporary style furniture?  What sights do you use for inspiration?

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 Quick 1-Minute/Traditional Oats – 1/3 cup
• Water – 1/3 cup
• Milk 1% Low Fat – 1/3 cup
• Cinnamon – 1/4 tsp
• Peanut Butter (natural and no added sugar) – 1 dollop
• Banana – 1 (sliced)
• Pure Maple Syrup – 1 tbsp
• Walnuts – 1 to 2 tbsp

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a Pyrex measuring mug, add oats.

2. Add water.

3. Add milk.

4. Add cinnamon.

5. Add peanut butter (preferably natural and without added sugar).

6. Stir.

7. Add sliced bananas.

8. Stir.

9. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.  

10. After an hour this is what you should have. 

11. Add maple syrup.  

12. Stir.  

13. Pour into an eating bowl.

14. Add walnuts.  

15. Enjoy!  This should keep you satisfied for about 3 hours.

TELL ME: Where do you shop for contemporary style furniture?  What sights do you use for inspiration?