Caramelized Banana Nut Oatmeal

Yes, cooking bacon is a sure way to get your loved ones out of bed in the morning, but you know what's just as good? Caramelized bananas. They're sweet and fragrant and can be used as a sweet topping for waffles, pancakes, ice cream and even oatmeal.

Oats are a staple item in my kitchen for a number of reasons: First, they're cost effective -- I can purchase a large bag of organic rolled oats from the bulk section of the grocery store for under $5. Second, it's a great gluten free, nutritious option that keeps me feeling full until lunch. And third, they leave room for a lot of creativity! If you're feeling like cinnamony-apple goodness or simple maple sweetness with fresh fruit, you can have it. The world is your "oat-ster"!

Caramelized banana is a great a addition to oatmeal because it's so sweet I don't have to add any additional sweetener to the oatmeal itself. Note this recipe is meant for one person, but I often double it for two.

1/3 cup rolled oats

1 Tbl hemp hearts

1 Tbl chia seeds

1 Tbl crushed walnuts

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup water

splash of vanilla

splash of alternative milk

1 banana

1 Tbl coconut oil

2 tsp maple syrup, honey or 1 tsp agave

2 tsp flax meal

1. Add the oats, hemp hearts, chia, walnuts cinnamon vanilla and water in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Let the ingredients cook until they begin sticking to one another, then add a splash or two of alternative milk, or more if you prefer your oatmeal a little runnier. Note* - You can also add ingredients in a bowl and cook in a microwave to save some time. Make a bigger batch by doubling or tripling the ingredients and put them in the refrigerator to heat up later in the week.

2. While the oatmeal is cooking, heat a Tablespoon of coconut oil on a small skillet over medium heat. As it melts slice the banana and lay the piece flat on the skillet. Drizzle the sweetener on top of the slices and let them cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. Once caramelized on both sides, spoon the banana slices (careful, they're delicate!) onto your oatmeal and top with flax meal.

Enjoy!