Maple Cinnamon Apple Whipped Banana Oatmeal

So I hear fall is well underway. Of course, I wouldn’t know in our nearly 90º Florida weather, but my calendar says it’s here. While I can’t stand super cold weather, I do love the idea of crisp air and coziness (because that’s what fall is, right?). And what better to go with this than a hot bowl of fluffy oatmeal with warm fall spices, juicy and crisp sautéed apples, sweet maple syrup, and drippy peanut butter? Yep, that’s right–nothing. So in the morning I like to put on my fuzzy slippers, pretend like the fog is a fresh blanket of snow, and snuggle with my oats. (Swoon.) But seriously, no complaints about the warm weather from me! Sunny and 80º on my birthday weekend in November? God smiled on me.

Not only is this recipe perfect for all your sweet fall cozy food cravings, but is is also amazingly filling and wholesome, complete with complex carbs, protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fruit. You can customize it to your personal needs, tastes, and whims by using a different type of milk, a different nut butter, or by adding things like chia seeds. Finally, this beautiful meal simple and quick. No weekend required!

Maple Cinnamon Apple Whipped Banana Oatmeal

Serves 1 (but can easily be multiplied for more)

Whipped Banana Oatmeal:

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ~2 Tbsp water (as needed)
• 1/2 very ripe banana
• pinch ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• ~5g raisins

Heat the oats, milk, and water in a small saucepan until it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are cooked. Slice banana into the saucepan and stir vigorously, adding more water if needed, until it reaches your desired consistency. (I like it with some small chunks left, but you can make it as lumpy or smooth as you like!) Then stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice (more will go on the apples), and 1/4 tsp vanilla. Transfer to a bowl (Or you could eat it out of the pan…whatever works for you.)

While the oats are cooking, make the topping:

• 1/2 apple, chopped (I use Fuji)
• coconut oil for the pan
• generous sprinkle ground cinnamon
• sprinkle ground nutmeg, ginger, and allspice
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup
• 2-3 tsp peanut butter (or another nut butter, like maple almond butter)

Rub a small skillet with a little coconut oil and heat over medium. When the pan is hot, stir in the chopped apple with a generous sprinkle ground cinnamon and a dash each of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for a couple minutes, until the apples are slightly browned (crisp, juicy, and tender!) Transfer apples to a separate bowl, THEN toss them with the maple syrup. (Drool at the sticky glaze that forms from the maple syrup and yummy spices!) Finally, top your prepared oatmeal with the maple apples and peanut butter. Enjoy!