Banana & Cinnamon Oatmeal

It's still winter.
Brilliant observation, I know.

It's still cold enough that in the morning, putting one exploratory foot out from under the covers is enough to send one's foot right back under to rub vigorously against one's leg...at least for as long as time will allow.

Sometimes, it's encroaching 11 am. Yep, sometimes that happens. Especially when you are a bit of a nightowl as I am and the mornings are chilly and grey.

It's on those mornings, that I bring my iPod under the covers, switch out the ear buds for giant air traffic controller-type dealios and listen to folky-pop music like the Weepies before I make an exagerated movement to throw the covers off dramatically and get my act together!


Jamie & I made breakfast this morning, although I really did all the work. (At least that's what I'm telling myself...and anyone else that will listen.) This is the second recipe I've made out of Jamie's Food Revolution (Ministry of Food in the UK)

To be honest, I've never followed a recipe for oatmeal before. It does seem a little ridiculous, but then again, I did explain that I am a horrible follower of rules. Growing up, my mom would occassionally make oatmeal, but we usually passed it up for toast and cold cereal. Eventually I decided to try it and started making it myself, but then it was always those little microwavable/add boiling water-type packages and I never quite believed that this was the best way oatmeal (outside of oatmeal cookies) was ever going to taste.

My love affair with oatmeal was short and non-commital.

This morning though, under my shroud of blankets and well harmonized tunes, I was tempted to resume my quick oat romance and this recipe of Jamie's was the one that was going to rekindle the flame.

Faster than I thought it would be, it was delicious and creamy and not bad of a kisser for our first time together. I know it's early in the relationship process again, but so far...I'm liking it.

Jamie Oliver's Banana & Cinnamon Oatmeal

(Jamie's Food Revolution // Ministry of Food)

(Recipe is for 4 people, my adaptations are in red for 1 person)

• 2 cups quick cook oats (not instant) (1/2 cup)
• 3 cups milk or water (3/4 cup)
• pinch of sea salt (same)
• 2 ripe bananas (half a banana)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (same)
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds (I would have used flax, but I couldn't find them, so I omitted altogether)
• honey or maple syrup to taste (same)
• handful of toasted & sliced almonds or shredded coconut (same)

1. Add oats, milk/water and salt to a saucepan on medium heat.
2. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring often.
3. 2 minutes before oatmeal is ready, add all the other ingredients. (I saved my maple syrup for after the oatmeal was in my bowl)
4. If your oatmeal is too thick, add more milk/water until it's the consistency you enjoy.
5. Remove from heat and enjoy :)

Good morning!